SNHU Spotlight: Paloma Rodriguez, BS in Computer Science Grad

Paloma Rodriguez ‘24 was determined to overcome the challenges she's faced in pursuit of her education. Now, after juggling three jobs and working seven days a week, she crossed the finish line at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering.

“I never got the experience to walk in my high school graduation,” said Rodriguez, with reference to her Commencement experience. “I graduated with my associate (degree) during COVID, so I missed out on that, as well. So being here today is very surreal.”

As a high school student, Rodriguez said she was a cross-country athlete, an active club member and on track to be valedictorian. But before she could earn her degree, she had to drop out.

Rodriguez still did not give up. She dedicated her summer to finishing her high school education.

“After that,” she said, “I wanted to do something I was passionate (about).”

Rodriguez focused her attention on obtaining an associate degree in television and broadcasting. But she faced many new obstacles.

“I was homeless, so I was sleeping in my car,” she said.

Rodriguez said she felt embarrassed by her living situation. Though she kept it hidden from her classmates, she worried they already knew and would judge her. Without access to necessities, Rodriguez said she was in survival mode.

“Just navigating through that, while going to school and making it seem like I’m fine, it’s not the easiest task,” she said.

Through that experience, Rodriguez said she realized it was okay to ask for help.

“It’s okay to admit that you’re going through a hard time. And asking for assistance, it shouldn’t be something you’re ashamed (of),” she said.

“I chose SNHU because it was offering (the) flexibility and the degree I wanted,” said Rodriguez. “The flexibility of online learning has been very essential to me.”

By using time blocking strategies and being dedicated to her studies, Rodriguez finally had the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive her degree in person.

“(I said) if I need to work three jobs … I have to do it to get where I need to go to. I know this is hard, but I have to overcome this,” Rodriguez said.

With her degree in hand, she had her sights set on a new software engineering job.

“Going from being homeless and making very little income to (this moment) now... this degree has been very, very, very supportive in (achieving my goals),” she said.

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.