Bangladesh Trip Helps Philadelphia Native Recognize Gratitude

Afreen Snaha visit with family in Bangladesh this Summer gave her a fresh perspective.

A student holds a sign that says, "I am Manor Bound" — Afreen Snaha at Accepted Students Day at Manor College.

Afreen Snaha, an incoming freshman at Manor College, spent several weeks this summer visiting family in Bangladesh. While she traveled to the country to celebrate a family member’s wedding, she says the entire experience has been very eye opening.

“It makes me much more grateful to live where I do with the resources I have around me,” said Snaha, who graduated from School Lane Charter School in Bensalem, Pa.

Snaha’s parents grew up in Bangladesh. During her weeks in the county, she’s helped feed the homeless while visiting the large farm lands in the area.

“Seeing that people here don’t have their basic needs met like health care, food and clothing makes me understand how good I really have it,” Snaha said.

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A family poses together after a high school graduation. — Afreen Snaha and her family pose after her high school graduation.

Snaha discovered Manor College through a counselor at School Lane Charter.

“I wanted a place that felt comfortable to me,” Snaha said. “I’m not one to enjoy large classrooms, so seeing the smaller classes and the attention that professors pay to each individual student made me want to go there more.”

Snaha’s career goal is to become a dental hygienist, working at dental offices specifically catered towards children.

“As a child, going to the dentist was a scary experience in itself, but the atmosphere at Cavity Busters made the experience less intimidating,” Snaha said. “The fun and colorful rooms, enjoyable movies playing and comforting dentists made it seem not so scary. I want to be that comfort for other children.”