Student Succes Archives - Western New Mexico University /category/student-success/ Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences University Mon, 11 May 2026 23:35:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Āé¶¹Ö±²„-favicon-150x150.png Student Succes Archives - Western New Mexico University /category/student-success/ 32 32 From SES Student to SES Teacher — Graduate Mariah Sanchez Finds Her Voice at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ /from-ses-student-to-ses-teacher-graduate-mariah-sanchez-finds-her-voice-at-wnmu/ Mon, 11 May 2026 15:00:08 +0000 /?p=203402 At Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„), student success is measured by the strength built during the journey. Mariah Sanchez’s story reflects how a supportive environment makes all the difference in creating a self-fulfilling, purposeful future. A native of Belen, New Mexico residing in Albuquerque and an online Āé¶¹Ö±²„ student, Sanchez just completed a Bachelor of… Continue reading From SES Student to SES Teacher — Graduate Mariah Sanchez Finds Her Voice at Āé¶¹Ö±²„

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At Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„), student success is measured by the strength built during the journey. Mariah Sanchez’s story reflects how a supportive environment makes all the difference in creating a self-fulfilling, purposeful future.

A native of Belen, New Mexico residing in Albuquerque and an online Āé¶¹Ö±²„ student, Sanchez just completed a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on special education and criminal justice. Her road to higher education involved navigating a complex landscape of personal hurdles. For a long time, the idea of walking across a commencement stage felt more like a distant, flickering dream to Sanchez rather than a tangible reality.

ā€œWhen I first started, I wasn’t sure if I belonged in a university setting,ā€ Sanchez admitted. ā€œBut through my classes and the support here, I realized that my unique perspective is an asset. I’ve learned that my voice matters, and I want to use it to help the next person who feels the way I used to feel.ā€

Her early experiences often made the structured world of academia feel like “foreign territory” that made her feel like she didn’t belong. Sanchez recalls a specific “Math for Teachers” class in which she felt embarrassed and hesitant to participate, struggling to keep up with the academic language her classmates used. It was the consistent encouragement of mentors at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ and a deepening sense of self-reliance, that helped Sanchez shift in perspective.

Sanchez also acknowledged that her advisor, Shelby Benfield’s constant availability and guidance helped Sanchez successfully navigate her academic path.

A significant turning point for Sanchez occurred when a student confided in her about their personal struggles. Sanchez realized that her own history as a former Social Emotional Support Services (SES) student who dealt with anxiety and the feeling of not fitting in was her greatest asset in connecting with this student.

“I really want to work with kids who are in the system, whether that means kids in juvenile detention or those involved with CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Department) in New Mexico,” Sanchez said. “I feel especially passionate about this because I’ve seen how easy it is for these kids to fall through the cracks and not get the support they need to turn things around. I would like to be that person who listens, helps them see new possibilities, and connects them with resources so they can get their lives back on track.”

As a single mother raising twin boys, working, and attending school, Sanchez juggles multiple varying responsibilities and balances her career and her studies by staying organized with a planner. Sanchez often completed her coursework late at night after her children are asleep. She credits her family, friends, and coworkers for providing the support system she needs to keep going on tough days.

Currently, Sanchez applies her studies directly to her work at Harrison Middle School, where she has served for six years. After starting as an Educational Assistant, she stepped into a lead teaching role within the SES department. Daily, Sanchez teaches academic subjects while helping students develop the critical skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and positive interpersonal skills.

After Commencement, Sanchez plans to remain in New Mexico to work in social services and advocacy. She is particularly passionate about supporting youth within the juvenile detention system and those involved with the CYFD.

ā€œI want people to know that it’s never too late to start over or to aim higher,ā€ Sanchez noted. ā€œĀé¶¹Ö±²„ gave me the space to grow and the tools to succeed. My history is part of me, and it doesn’t limit where I can go.ā€

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Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate Transforms Personal Tragedy into a Mission of Healing /wnmu-graduate-transforms-personal-tragedy-into-a-mission-of-healing/ Fri, 08 May 2026 15:00:47 +0000 /?p=203349 For seven years, Margie Gomez has walked the halls of Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) with a quiet, steady determination. On May 8, the Silver City local will reach a long-awaited academic pinnacle. Gomez graduates with a Master of Arts in Counseling. This milestone was born not just from textbooks and lectures; it emerged from… Continue reading Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate Transforms Personal Tragedy into a Mission of Healing

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For seven years, Margie Gomez has walked the halls of Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) with a quiet, steady determination. On May 8, the Silver City local will reach a long-awaited academic pinnacle. Gomez graduates with a Master of Arts in Counseling. This milestone was born not just from textbooks and lectures; it emerged from a profound personal storm and a calling to serve the community that has always been her home.

Gomez’s path to academia was far from traditional. A hairdresser by trade for decades, her life took a sudden, heartbreaking turn in 2019. The death of her son was unimaginable and enormous, leaving Gomez in a dark place where she struggled to “get above water.” During this same period, Gomez faced a staggering series of family crises. She also lost her mother, and her sister to cancer. Through it all, Gomez supported her father, a World War II veteran living with health issues and unspoken PTSD.

“I had to find some type of motivation to keep me going,” Gomez shared. “I thought, ā€˜Let me see if I can help somebody else, so that another parent doesn’t have to endure the heartache that I have.’”

At age 60, Gomez made the courageous decision to enroll at Āé¶¹Ö±²„. She began by pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in chemical dependency. Entering the university as a non-traditional, first-generation student was daunting. “I was intimidated because this was a whole new world for me,” Gomez recalled. “I didn’t know what to expect or if I could even do it. It took me a minute to start paying attention and get into it. Proving to myself I could do it—that was a big one.”

Gomez credits the close-knit, community-minded environment of Āé¶¹Ö±²„ for helping her find a voice she didn’t know she had. Once painfully shy and anxious about public speaking, she found that the university’s small class sizes allowed her to step out of her shell.

Building on these experiences, Gomez specifically highlighted the mentorship of faculty who went above and beyond. During her undergraduate years, Associate Professor of Psychology Jennifer Johnston, Ph.D., provided the encouragement needed to persist. Gomez also talked about Department Chair of CounselingĀ and Assistant Professor of Counseling Wally Lane, Ph.D., and how his proactive approach made a lasting impression on her. “He calls each of his students every semester just to ask how they are doing and what they need,” Gomez said. “When professors go that extra mile, it makes a big difference in a student’s ability to succeed.”

Now interning at Winborne Wellness and Counseling in Silver City, Gomez has discovered an unexpected passion for working with children aged four to 12. “I thought, ā€˜I’m never going to work with children; that would be too hard,’” Gomez admitted. “But I love it. I look back at my own life, and I wish counseling had been a more acceptable option when I was young. I want to be there for these kids now because I know how much they need help coping with the crazy world we live in.”

As she prepares to celebrate her graduation, Gomez is also beginning a two-year journey toward independent licensure. She offers heartfelt advice to other non-traditional students considering a return to school: “Don’t give up. Just keep going. There are days you want to hide under the covers, but learning is a lifelong opportunity. Attending Āé¶¹Ö±²„ gave me the strength to move forward,” she said. “I feel accomplished. I feel empowered. I’ve learned who I am, and I’m ready to help others find their way out of the dark, too.”

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Student Hall of Fame Inductees 2025-2026 /student-hall-of-fame-inductees2025-2026/ Wed, 06 May 2026 15:00:37 +0000 /?p=203406 Three Western New Mexico University students were recently inducted into the 2025-2026 Student Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees—Keana Huerta, Carlos Carranza, and Nayeli Mancilla—stand out for their academic excellence, leadership, and service in the Mustang community. Their selection reflects their hard work, resilience, and dedication to Āé¶¹Ö±²„ and their peers. Huerta is a first-generation… Continue reading Student Hall of Fame Inductees 2025-2026

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Three Western New Mexico University students were recently inducted into the 2025-2026 Student Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees—Keana Huerta, Carlos Carranza, and Nayeli Mancilla—stand out for their academic excellence, leadership, and service in the Mustang community. Their selection reflects their hard work, resilience, and dedication to Āé¶¹Ö±²„ and their peers.

Huerta is a first-generation nursing student with a deep commitment to public service. She serves as the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Student Regent and is also a talented Tejano recording artist and local performer. “Being inducted into the Student Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, but it truly reflects the strength of the community I’ve found here. Western New Mexico University has been more than just a place to study; it’s where I learned that true leadership is about lifting others up as you climb. I am so proud to represent the Mustang spirit,” Huerta said.

Carranza exemplifies student leadership and forward-thinking vision through his role as the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASĀé¶¹Ö±²„) President, and the driving force behind the ASĀé¶¹Ö±²„ Learning Hub initiative. ā€œBeing recognized alongside such an incredible group of peers truly means a lot to me. I come from Hatch, and I am proud to say I’m a farmworker. That part of who I am has shaped my work ethic, my resilience, and the way I show up for others. This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to every hand that worked beside me and every person who helped me get here,” Carranza said.

Mancilla is a multi-talented leader who has seamlessly integrated her passion for the arts with a strong commitment to environmental advocacy and student governance who dedicated three years to student government, serving as Vice President and successfully helped lobby to improve university irrigation infrastructure. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for the people and community that shaped my time at Āé¶¹Ö±²„. Much of what I’ve been able to do here has only been possible because of the support, guidance, and trust of others. I’m honored to be part of a community that has taught me the importance of responsibility, care, and contributing where I can,” Mancilla said.

“Inducting Keana, Carlos, and Nayeli into the 2026 Student Hall of Fame is a celebration of the profound impact a dedicated student can have on our campus,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Life,Ā April Burt, MA. This year, we had several strong, highly qualified applicants. The inductees who were selected had to meet several criteria, including: demonstrated integrity and achievement, leadership in campus activities, community involvement, strong participation in various areas of campus life along with their academic scholarship while attending Āé¶¹Ö±²„. All three inductees have had an exceptional impact on the campus community and as student leaders, have distinguished themselves from many other outstanding students.Ā Their contributions to student governance and public service have left an indelible mark on Āé¶¹Ö±²„ and the Silver City community.”

The Student Hall of Fame remains one of the most prestigious honors a student can achieve during their tenure at Āé¶¹Ö±²„. It recognizes individuals who have not only excelled in their respective academic fields but have also made significant, lasting contributions to campus culture and the broader Silver City community.

Pictured from left to right, Carlos Carranza, Keana Huerta, and Nayelli Mancilla, the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Student Hall of Fame 2025-2026 inductees.

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Carlsbad Resident and Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Online Graduate Celebrates Thriving Over Surviving /carlsbad-resident-and-wnmu-online-graduate-celebrates-thriving-over-surviving/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:24 +0000 /?p=203283 For many, a college degree is framed as a transactional checklist—a clinical accumulation of courses, credits, and requirements designed to satisfy a professional prerequisite. However, for Suzette Wilson, a Carlsbad resident and online student at Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„), her degree represents far more than a credential. Her pursuit of a Master of Arts… Continue reading Carlsbad Resident and Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Online Graduate Celebrates Thriving Over Surviving

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For many, a college degree is framed as a transactional checklist—a clinical accumulation of courses, credits, and requirements designed to satisfy a professional prerequisite. However, for Suzette Wilson, a Carlsbad resident and online student at Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„), her degree represents far more than a credential. Her pursuit of a Master of Arts in Education is a profound odyssey defined by perseverance, passion, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

As Wilson prepares to walk across the commencement stage, this milestone signifies a major personal and professional breakthrough. It marks Wilson’s successful transition from a participant in the Vocational Rehabilitation system to a Senior Career Counselor, now professionally dedicated to empowering others to navigate their own complex paths.

Wilson’s path to this degree was not straightforward. Like many non-traditional students balancing family, home, and work, she faced personal challenges that led her to vocational rehabilitation services. At times, the academic workload felt overwhelming. Wilson admits there were semesters when self-doubt crept in, and she nearly stopped studying, shifting her goal from mastery to survival.

The cycle of doubt persisted until a turning point, a pivotal connection with Associate Professor of History Ben Jenkins, Ph.D., and the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ support network. Their mentorship led Wilson to rethink academic support. She discovered the concept she calls the “beautification of accommodations,” which changed her outlook. A once a private struggle instead became a source of confidence and advocacy.

Wilson reframed accommodations, seeing them not as indications of what she could not do, but as tools for achievement. As a result, her focus shifted from limitations to possibilities. She saw accommodations as instruments of empowerment, equity, and access, rather than crutches. This new perspective transformed her academic experience and taught Wilson that true success lies not in solitary perfection, but in understanding and advocating for one’s needs.

This profound realization did more than just preserve Wilson’s academic career; it became the cornerstone of her professional mission. Having successfully navigated the obstacles that led her to vocational rehabilitation, Wilson now leverages her lived experience to provide person-centered support to diverse and marginalized populations. The very challenges that once threatened to derail her progress now serve as the foundation for the deep empathy and resilience Wilson brings to her clients.

Wilson’s coursework at Āé¶¹Ö±²„, paired with her personal history, reinforced her conviction that barriers are frequently environmental and systemic rather than personal failings. Wilson recognized that, with appropriate support systems in place, she could achieve a level of independence and professional standing she had never previously contemplated.

Wilson views her degree as a symbol of growth and readiness. She began the program merely looking for a way to survive her circumstances, but Wilson graduates with the knowledge of how to thrive, fully prepared to guide others toward their own versions of success.

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Graduate Renee Maderazo Experienced Artistic Breakthrough While at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ /graduate-renee-maderazo-experienced-artistic-breakthrough-while-at-wnmu/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:00:45 +0000 /?p=203356 For Renee Maderazo, the road to a master’s degree wasn’t a paved highway; it was a winding trail. This path led her from the exhausting “slog” of the freelance world to the transformative, high-desert landscape of the Gila. Maderazo will graduate on May 8 from Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) with a Master of Arts… Continue reading Graduate Renee Maderazo Experienced Artistic Breakthrough While at Āé¶¹Ö±²„

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For Renee Maderazo, the road to a master’s degree wasn’t a paved highway; it was a winding trail. This path led her from the exhausting “slog” of the freelance world to the transformative, high-desert landscape of the Gila. Maderazo will graduate on May 8 from Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). This milestone marks Maderazo’s evolution to a confident artist and educator.

Maderazo’s journey began in Arizona, far from Silver City’s quiet mountains. After earning her BFA from the University of Arizona, Maderazo spent three years navigating the professional “grind.” She balanced the pressures of freelance graphic design with shifts in the restaurant industry, a familiar “day job” reality for many creatives. “I was just going through the motions,” Maderazo recalled. “The hustle took a lot of the joy of making art out of it. It was directionless.”

The turning point came when her parents retired to Silver City. Maderazo was drawn in by the unique creativity of the Silver City community and the natural wonders of the Gila. Maderazo took a leap of faith at her parents’ encouragement and enrolled at Āé¶¹Ö±²„, hoping the university could provide the breakthrough Maderazo didn’t know she needed but had been seeking for years.

At Āé¶¹Ö±²„, Maderazo found more than an academic program; she found a mentor in Assistant Professor of Expressive Arts, Erin Wheary, Ph.D. Under Wheary’s guidance, Maderazo’s artistic philosophy underwent a radical shift. She moved away from the “heavy, dense permanency” of traditional bronze and woodworking she had studied previously. Instead, she found a new voice in ephemeral artworks designed to transform, lose their luster, and eventually return to the earth.

“Meeting my mentor was magical,” Maderazo said. “Erin let me grow artistically and personally. She encouraged me to listen to my soul, not just my brain, and reminded me art can have levity and meaning.”

This newfound freedom let Maderazo connect with the local environment. Inspired by the Gila Wilderness and the Continental Divide, her work became a “transcendental” exploration of nature. She mastered a wide array of media, from complex lithography to soft sculpture, eventually creating standout braided sculptures from natural raffia fibers.

As Maderazo’s artistic voice matured, so did her ambitions. She had originally enrolled in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) track, but upon realizing that her love for creating was matched by her desire to give back, she switched to the MAT program. This duality—being both a dedicated artist and a trained educator—became her “secret weapon” during the rigorous graduate application process to achieve her MFA at the University of New Mexico, a highly competitive program. A maximum of 15 students is accepted each year from a global applicant pool.

“I’m proud to say I came from Western New Mexico University,” Maderazo said. “There are diamonds in the rough here—dedicated artists who work hard, not just coast. The faculty makes you earn every step forward.”

Looking ahead to Commencement, Maderazo describes the feeling as “bittersweet.” While she is ready for the next chapter, the “wacky and weird” magic of Silver City has become her home. Drawing from her own journey, her advice to other non-traditional students or artists feeling stuck is heartfelt: “It isn’t easy. It’s a lot of hours in the studio and a lot of following through on a hard commitment. But it is 100% worth it. Take that leap of faith.”

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Graduate Kylie Miller Finds Calling She Never Expected in Plant Taxonomy /graduate-kylie-miller-finds-calling-she-never-expected-in-plant-taxonomy/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:00:13 +0000 /?p=203278 When Kylie Miller first arrived at Western New Mexico University, she felt like a “toddler in a grown adult’s body.” As a member of the resilient class of 2022, Miller’s formative years were shaped by a pandemic that changed her view of time and growth. Now, as she prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of… Continue reading Graduate Kylie Miller Finds Calling She Never Expected in Plant Taxonomy

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When Kylie Miller first arrived at Western New Mexico University, she felt like a “toddler in a grown adult’s body.” As a member of the resilient class of 2022, Miller’s formative years were shaped by a pandemic that changed her view of time and growth. Now, as she prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forest Wildlife, Miller exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on education in a community focused on the individual.

Miller experienced a significant transition taking classes with Professor of Biology, William “Bill” Norris, Ph.D. While Miller initially entered the program with little interest in focusing her efforts on the direction of flora, her perspective shifted during Adjunct Faculty Russ Kleinman, M.D.,’s demanding Plant Taxonomy course. The curriculum was rigorous, requiring students to collect more than 100 plant specimens, often under grueling field conditions.

What began as a requirement soon became a passion. Miller describes the experience as a “lightbulb moment” sparked by Kleinman’s expertise and charisma. It was during this intricate study of local flora that Miller realized her true calling, finding a deep connection to the natural world that would define her career.

However, Miller’s journey was not without its hardships. Her practicum at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery, located an hour north of Silver City, provided a different kind of valuable education. Working with the endangered Gila Trout, Miller found herself navigating not just the complexities of wildlife management but also the challenges of working with different personality types.

Miller developed a strategy for communicating with co-workers and supervisors and said she “grew a thick skin.” Miller credits this period with understanding the value of self-reliance and the importance of maintaining professionalism even in adverse circumstances. These experiences sharpened Miller’s interpersonal skills and helped her define the type of professional environment she intends to foster in her future career.

Outside the laboratory and the hatchery, Miller embraced Silver City’s unique culture. She found her “third places” in the local coffee shops and vintage thrift stores that line the historic streets, and she fully immersed herself in campus traditions like the Great Race. These moments of connection helped ground her during the rigors of her senior year, providing a sense of home.

Miller is looking toward the horizon with a mix of pragmatism and ambition as graduation nears. The job market for forestry and wildlife remains competitive, yet Miller is undeterred, casting a wide net that stretches from the familiar pines of the Gila National Forest to the lush rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Miller’s goal is clear: to apply her degree to become a conservation biologist, dedicating her work to the protection and sustainable management of natural resources.

Looking back on her journey, Miller offers grounded advice to the freshmen following in her footsteps. She emphasizes that success is not solely defined by a transcript, urging new students to prioritize their mental health and embrace the lessons that come with failure. As Miller prepares to apply her passion to the natural world, she leaves the university as a confident professional ready to make a lasting impact: to champion sustainability, inspire change, and leave the environment better for those who follow.

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Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Student Redefines Journey, Graduates as Bilingual Educator /wnmu-student-redefines-journey-graduates-as-bilingual-educator/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:45 +0000 /?p=203274 When Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) student Joselyne Salas receives her Bachelor of Science in K-8 Education at Spring Commencement, it will be a moment that represents far more than a collection of earned credits; it is the culmination of a decade defined by resilience and the breaking of generational barriers. Salas’s path to this… Continue reading Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Student Redefines Journey, Graduates as Bilingual Educator

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When Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) student Joselyne Salas receives her Bachelor of Science in K-8 Education at Spring Commencement, it will be a moment that represents far more than a collection of earned credits; it is the culmination of a decade defined by resilience and the breaking of generational barriers.

Salas’s path to this degree was not a straight line, but a series of courageous, purposeful steps. By reviving a long-deferred dream, she has proven that success follows its own timeline. Now, Salas stands ready to translate her personal triumph into professional impact, bringing her unique perspective and dedication to regional classrooms.

Salas’ academic story began with a decade-long hiatus. After high school, she embraced motherhood, focusing on her daughters and building her family. Yet, Salas’s dream of a university education persisted. Returning as an adult learner, she brought a clarity shaped by experience, fueled by a desire to realize her potential and be an example to her children.

“Going back to school was a decision I made not only for myself, but to show my daughters that it is never too late to pursue your dreams,” Salas shared. This philosophy of lifelong learning and persistence has powered her success at Āé¶¹Ö±²„. As a proud Mexican American, Salas is also reaching a historic milestone for her family. She will be the first in her lineage to graduate from a university. This achievement carries immense cultural and familial importance. It marks a shift in possibilities for future generations and inspires others in the community who may share a similar background.

Salas’ journey was a collective effort, driven by faith and the support of her husband and what she calls “the village.” Their steadfast help was vital as she balanced the demands of higher education with family life. Whether enduring late nights or managing household schedules, Salas’s network kept her focused and provided the stability she needed to thrive.

“My journey has been shaped by faith, support from my husband and village, and a strong desire to become a bilingual educator who gives back,” Salas explained. Her commitment led her to specialize in bilingual education. Drawing from her own experience, she is determined to serve as a bridge for the next generation, ensuring language empowers rather than hinders success.

As the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ community celebrates this milestone, Salas’ story resonates with hope and progress. Her graduation closes a ten-year chapter and opens a career devoted to service, proving that with support and vision, obstacles become stepping-stones.

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A Triumph of Resilience: Sandra Varela Graduates from Āé¶¹Ö±²„ /a-triumph-of-resilience-sandra-varela-graduates-from-wnmu/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:56 +0000 /?p=203260 For Deming resident Sandra Varela, graduating during the Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) Spring Commencement in May marks the finish line of a journey involving immense sacrifice and an iron will to keep hope alive. Accepting her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Support, Varela will do so beside her deepest sources of… Continue reading A Triumph of Resilience: Sandra Varela Graduates from Āé¶¹Ö±²„

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For Deming resident Sandra Varela, graduating during the Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) Spring Commencement in May marks the finish line of a journey involving immense sacrifice and an iron will to keep hope alive. Accepting her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Support, Varela will do so beside her deepest sources of courage: her daughter, Valerie Varela, and her son, Julio Varela, sharing the moment as a family forged by resilience.

Varela’s journey was forged through life’s grueling trials. Her story as a Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Mustang is one of persistent strength, beginning in the shadow of a challenging marriage and an exceptionally difficult divorce process. Throughout those years, Varela dedicated herself to her children’s well-being, often setting her own aspirations aside to put her children first as she navigated the complexities of single parenthood.

The decision to return to college was born from a fierce desire to reclaim her narrative and provide a visible roadmap for her children’s futures. In the wake of her divorce, while facing intense financial strain and emotional exhaustion, Varela was confronted with words meant to diminish her spirit, “You are not going to do anything in your life, and you are nothing without me.” Those words stayed in her mind, but rather than breaking her, she turned them into a personal challenge. She decided to prove that her worth was not defined by another’s estimation, but by her own determination to succeed.

The academic journey that followed was far from easy. Sandra faced significant health hurdles, managing a seizure disorder alongside the invisible but heavy burdens of depression and anxiety. Despite these persistent challenges, she committed to her education “little by little,” often taking only one or two classes per semester to balance her rigorous coursework with her responsibilities at home. This deliberate pace allowed her to remain a present, supportive role model for her children while she slowly but surely pursued her calling as an early childhood educator.

“My time at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ has been about sacrifice and stubborn hope,” Varela shared. “Raising my children while enduring so much hardship, I tried to give them guidance and love, especially when times were darkest. Going back to my courses after the divorce was my way of showing them what it means to fight.”

Varela’s choice of major—Early Childhood and Family Support—is a direct reflection of her life’s work. Having spent years advocating for her own family and navigating the intricacies of child development as a devoted parent, Varela is uniquely prepared to support other families in the Silver City community. Varela’s degree is more than a professional credential; it is a formal extension of the empathy, patience, and resilience she has practiced every day within her own household.

As the Varela family prepares for graduation day, they stand as a powerful symbol of the “Mustang Way”—a community where persistence is rewarded, and family is a foundational strength.

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Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate Transitions from Injured Athlete to Advocate for Art and Nature /wnmu-graduate-transitions-from-injured-athlete-to-advocate-for-art-and-nature/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:00:49 +0000 /?p=203248 For Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) senior Nayeli Mancilla, the path to Commencement was a profound journey. More than just reaching a finish line, hers was a marathon of grit, growth, and a passionate bond with the natural world—each step echoing the resilience she forged along the way. Mancilla is a fine arts major who… Continue reading Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate Transitions from Injured Athlete to Advocate for Art and Nature

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For Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) senior Nayeli Mancilla, the path to Commencement was a profound journey. More than just reaching a finish line, hers was a marathon of grit, growth, and a passionate bond with the natural world—each step echoing the resilience she forged along the way.

Mancilla is a fine arts major who will receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and an Associate degree in Graphic Design in May. When she walks across the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ commencement stage, Mancilla concludes a transformative five-year journey that began with athletic aspirations abruptly derailed.

“I actually came here to play volleyball,” Mancilla recalls. “And on my third day in Silver City, I tore my ACL—on the very first day of preseason practice.”

What at first felt like a devastating setback turned out to be the space Mancilla needed to reconsider her path. Initially pursuing education, she began to engage deeply with Silver City’s artistic community and the surrounding wilderness, which inspired her to redirect her studies.

She immersed herself in the fine arts program, finding key mentors in professors Matt Drisell (painting), Ed Brandt (graphic design), and Jim Pendergast (photography).

Mancilla credits the small class sizes at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ for fostering invaluable, one-on-one mentorship—especially in the visual arts. “They get to know you,” Mancilla said. “When you conceptualize, they understand where you’re coming from and help you find your vision.”

One of Mancilla’s most significant experiences was classes with Brandt. His emphasis on visual communication and brand identity reshaped her understanding of graphic design. Mancilla used what she learned in Brandt’s classes when marketing the university’s 2023 outdoor summer program.

Mancilla designed a new logo and developed comprehensive brand guidelines after realizing many students were unaware of the program’s offerings. “Getting to have those meaningful experiences like backpacking and whitewater rafting for free—learning how to do that—was special, and I wanted more students to know what they could experience. Coming from Phoenix, I didn’t have seasons or access to the wilderness just 20 minutes away,” Mancilla explained. The connection to the land and Silver City community became a central theme in her life and art.

Mancilla’s impact at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ extended beyond the arts and outdoor programs; she served in student government for three years, serving as vice president her senior year. In this role, Mancilla helped advocate for the campus environment, and successfully supported lobbying for a $220,000 request for irrigation infrastructure. Mancilla also began collaborating with the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ urban forestry program to help design a campus arboretum.

Her commitment to environmental advocacy grew after an apprenticeship a few years ago with the Semilla Project in Albuquerque. There, Mancilla focused on watershed management, wildfire mitigation, and indigenous-based principles of reciprocity.

Reflecting on her growth over the past five years, Mancilla said, “I am such a different person. I am much more resilient in many ways. I feel like I have a voice now.”

Looking to the future, Mancilla plans to continue working with her hands and serving the environment through creative solutions. She emphasizes that the outdoor program at Āé¶¹Ö±²„ is a keystone program and hopes that future students will continue to build a relationship with the unique and beautiful environment surrounding the campus.

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From 911 Dispatcher to Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate to Counselor /from-911-dispatcher-to-wnmu-graduate-to-counselor/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:33 +0000 /?p=203039 When hybrid (online and in person) Deming student Jo Lynn Guerrero crosses the stage at the Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) Spring Commencement this May, her walk will mark a profound evolution in her lifelong commitment to service. Guerrero’s journey, spanning two decades of community dedication, serves as a powerful testament to the idea that… Continue reading From 911 Dispatcher to Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Graduate to Counselor

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When hybrid (online and in person) Deming student Jo Lynn Guerrero crosses the stage at the Western New Mexico University (Āé¶¹Ö±²„) Spring Commencement this May, her walk will mark a profound evolution in her lifelong commitment to service. Guerrero’s journey, spanning two decades of community dedication, serves as a powerful testament to the idea that success is rarely a straight line but rather a series of purposeful, courageous steps toward one’s true calling.

Guerrero’s professional life began in 2004, immediately following her high school graduation. She stepped directly into the high-stakes environment of emergency services, serving as a 911 dispatcher. For ten years, she was the steady, calm voice on the other end of the line during the community’s most critical moments. This foundational decade in public safety instilled in her a unique ability to remain composed under pressure and gave her a front-row seat to the challenges facing local families. While this role provided a vital service, Guerrero eventually felt a pull toward a different form of advocacy—one that focused on long-term guidance and the proactive development of the next generation rather than immediate crisis response.

Guerrero attended Āé¶¹Ö±²„ as an undergraduate in 2015 and successfully earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. During this period of academic growth, she transitioned into the educational sphere, accepting a position as an IT technician at her local high school in Deming. Although her official duties were technical, Guerreros’ natural inclination toward mentorship and student support quickly became evident to those around her. Students found themselves stopping by her office not just for hardware fixes, but for the supportive environment Guerrero naturally created. Even during a brief period working with the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), Guerrero’s heart remained tethered to the unique energy and potential found within the high school setting.

ā€œI genuinely love helping students, families, and anyone who needs support,ā€ Guerrero said. ā€œI feel that helping others is simply part of who I am. People often feel comfortable opening up to me, and I have always valued being someone who listens without judgment. I especially try to support those who may not have a strong support system elsewhere.ā€

It was this inherent empathy and the rapport Guerrero built with the student body that caught the attention of the school’s professional counseling staff. Recognizing that she was already making a tangible impact on student well-being through her positive engagement and reliable presence, they encouraged her to formalize her natural talents. They saw a counselor long before she held the title. Their belief in her potential led Guerrero to apply to the graduate counseling program at Āé¶¹Ö±²„, a decision she notes she has never regretted.

Currently working as a counselor for academics at Deming High School, Guerrero plans to take the state school counseling practice exam to become licensed as a high school counselor. She sees her role as more than a career. For Guerrero, it is a lifelong commitment to the “adopted” students she has mentored. “The ultimate reward is watching these young adults graduate and become independent, knowing I played a part in their stability.”

Guerrero’s story is a cornerstone of the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ mission: empowering individuals to transform their own lives so they, in turn, can transform their communities. Her transition from 911 dispatch to the counseling office represents a significant shift from crisis intervention to crisis prevention. By providing students with the emotional tools and support systems necessary to navigate the complexities of young adulthood, Guerrero is helping to build a more resilient regional community.

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