SNHU Spotlight: Courtney Garcia, BA in Psychology Grad

For Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) grads everywhere, getting a degree is a major personal milestone. But for some, that finish line is not just about one person — it’s a family affair.

Even for those we honor in memory.

This was the case for Courtney Garcia ’24, who recently earned her bachelor’s in psychology. “I did it for my brother, who passed away,” she said. “He wasn’t able to attend college so it was really important for me to push through.”

After watching her sibling navigate health challenges, Garcia realized her passion for psychology at an early age.

“The brain is really interesting,” she said. “My brother had a brain tumor and it caused him to have two strokes when he was 16. So just seeing that whole process after about 10 years really intrigued me to get what I’m into now.”

These experiences eventually led Garcia to a career as a director at a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — a job she was able to balance with her degree program. “I chose my degree at SNHU because it fit into my schedule,” she said.

As Garcia learned more and more about her discipline, she began to see how it applied to her work. “My knowledge is more in-depth now,” she said. “I’m able to understand people and the reasoning behind what they do more through my learning here at SNHU.”

While her brother inspired her degree, Garcia may serve as an inspiration for her family, too. "I'm the first of my aunts' and my mom's kids to go through college and finish," she said.

When reflecting on what it took to get to this point and what she might tell others who are contemplating earning a degree, Garcia said, "It’s definitely worth it. You just have to put your mind to it and really focus and you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.”

Spencer Hensel '21 is a copy director at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). He is passionate about helping people own their power, and has channeled this passion as a storyteller, manager, mentor and EDI leader at work. A professional writer for over a decade, he’s had the pleasure of writing for Boston startups in the education, food and tech industries.

A lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications at Emmanuel College, along with a graduate certificate in marketing at SNHU. He has also volunteered as a TEDx speaker coach and organizer since 2022. Want to learn more? Connect with him on LinkedIn.