Skip to main content

SNHU Spotlight: Demetria Garduno, BS in Health Administration Grad

Demetria Garduno '24, a bachelor's in healthcare administration graduate at SNHU.Demetria Garduno '24 puts her family first. But she also realizes the importance of her own goals. She decided to enroll in Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) online program, and nothing — not even donating a kidney to help her husband — stopped her.

“My journey to this degree did not come easy,” said Garduno.

While attending community college off and on, she met her husband and had a family. She said her dream of obtaining a degree simply was put on hold while she focused on being a mother.

Once Garduno decided it was time to restart her educational journey, she enrolled at SNHU but quickly hit a life-altering roadblock. Her husband was in renal failure for the second time in his life. His kidney transplant was failing.

“We found out he needed to start dialysis,” said Garduno.

With her husband requiring three treatments a week, Garduno also still had to juggle her responsibilities as a mother, a full-time employee and a full-time student. “I didn’t know if I could finish,” she said. “And I thought a lot of times that I would put it on hold and just stop. Take a break.”

Garduno said she leaned on her advisor and her mother for support. “(My mom) had asked me, ‘If you stop going now do you think you’ll ever finish? Do you think you’ll keep going back and ... get that degree you’ve wanted?’” she said.

Garduno didn’t think she would. So, she pushed on.

During this time, Garduno took on another challenge. She decided to become her husband’s kidney donor. “We have the same blood type, she said. “But throughout that journey and testing — and extensive, extensive testing — we found out I wasn’t a direct match.”

Though discouraged, Garduno was not ready to give up hope.

The National Kidney Registry offers paired kidney exchanges. In Garduno’s case, she was able to donate her kidney to a stranger, on behalf of her husband. In return, when a match became available, her husband would also receive a kidney. “That was just really amazing,” Garduno said. “It’s very humbling being able to give someone the gift of life in this (way).”

Demetria Garduno in a graduation cap and gown, standing at the SNHU Spring 2024 Commencement

Throughout, Garduno continued to work toward her bachelor's in healthcare administration. The night before her surgery, she completed all her weekly discussions and turned in her final projects. “I passed with A's in both of those classes, which was really incredible,” she said.

Six months passed before her husband received his kidney in November 2023. “It’s doing great so far,” said Garduno. “We’re so happy it’s over. And it was incredible coming into this new year ... with a new outtake on life. We’re so proud to be in this moment.”

As a first-generation graduate, Garduno said she hopes her story can inspire others in her family: her mother, her son and her future children — and that her son will understand the sacrifices she’s made to better herself and to support her family.

“No matter how long it takes ... you can still earn (your degree) at any time. Time is not a barrier in this essence,” she said. “(I want to) show him that anything in life is possible as long as you stick to it and dedicate time for yourself and, most importantly, to yourself.”

Garduno said she learned a lot about herself throughout this experience. “I put a lot of other people’s needs ahead of my own,” she said. “And I think that’s natural with being a mom and being a wife. So, I learned that it’s very, very important that I put myself first in these situations ... I’m important and I matter.”

Garduno, who works in healthcare, said she hopes to use her degree to advance in her company and eventually secure a leadership role. She’s now enrolled in a master's program at SNHU.

“For me, this degree means that I’ve believed in myself over the last 12 years,” she said. “I’ve overcome many hardships to ... get to the finish line. I’m proud of myself.”

A degree can change your life. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Abigayle Mahnken ’22 is an assistant content writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and is currently earning a Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing. Passionate about storytelling and education, she enjoys learning from fellow students' experiences and sharing their stories. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and learning. She also really likes video games. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Explore more content like this article

A professional with an MPH degree explaining a graph on her laptop to some public health colleagues.

What is an MPH Degree and What Can You Do With It?

Public health encompasses quite literally all facets of life. A Master of Public Health (MPH) opens the door to myriad career paths that offer you the opportunity to have a significant impact on individuals and on entire communities — even on a global level and on future generations.
A woman on her deck practicing self-care by journaling.

What is Self-Care and Why is it Important For You?

Self-care includes anything you do to keep yourself healthy – physically, mentally and spiritually. Although prioritizing self-care may sound like common sense, especially if you’re considering longevity, it’s often the first thing to go when we find ourselves in challenging situations.
A group of cartoon healthcare professionals working together on a cartoon brain.

Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders at SNHU Thought Leaders Conference

At the 8th annual SNHU Thought Leaders Conference, leaders in the healthcare space offered virtual sessions to professionals and students, exploring the intersection of innovation, access and equity. Attendees also had the opportunity to earn up to 7.5 contact hours for attending both days.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.