SNHU Spotlight: Carlene Estigoy, BA in Psychology Grad

For Carlene Estigoy '24, traveling from Houston, Texas, to Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) fall Commencement marked a milestone years in the making. Despite a busy life, she made it a point to celebrate her graduation in person.

"It's something else to walk across that stage. You really feel that sense of true accomplishment," she said. "It feels extra special to be here today."

Estigoy earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology — a field close to her heart since childhood. "My mom was in psychology, so learning and growing up learning about psychology, I really loved the subject," she said.

When it came to choosing a school, Estigoy said SNHU stood out for its welcoming community and adaptability.

"It seemed very accepting and welcoming of all kinds of students — all kinds of backgrounds and ways of life," she said. "And with my full-time job, my three dogs, planning a wedding with my fiancé and everything else going on in my life, it was just the best choice because it was so flexible."

Her final course — a capstone course called "Psychology and Social Change" — left a lasting impression. "It was the most impactful to me," she said. "I got to learn about how I personally can make a change in society and how I can use my skills to better other people, learn to empathize and really just help other people get to know themselves."

Estigoy found strong support in the SNHU community, especially from her academic advisor.

"I had a lot of trouble with mental health during the terms, and I took a couple of break semesters," she said. "(My advisor) was really understanding. (She) was really good at listening, and she even sent me a little teddy bear to wish me good luck."

Looking back, Estigoy said her time at SNHU transformed her. "I've learned so much about other kinds of people and ways of life and backgrounds — and how an educational system can be so accepting and flexible and really help guide (you)," she said.

That growth, she noted, wasn't just academic — it was personal.

"I think coming to SNHU has changed who I am today," she said. "I worked so hard to get here, and it has really been acknowledged by everyone here, and I really felt accomplished, and just so just helped and welcomed here."

Nicholas Patterson ’22 ’25MFA is a writer based in West Michigan with several years of experience as a content creator in higher education. He’s an alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned both his bachelor’s in English and creative writing and his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. When his head’s not in novels, you can find him outside dreaming up his own stories. Connect with him on LinkedIn.