Key Takeaways
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Graduation stories highlight how persistence and commitment lead to meaningful academic and career outcomes
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Balancing personal, professional, and academic responsibilities is a common but manageable challenge
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Completing a program can create new opportunities while strengthening confidence and long-term goals
We asked graduates to share their journey to graduation. Here is what Andrew Rosado Hartline (Organizational Leadership) had to say in his own words…
I am a the first person in my family to obtain a college degree and now a graduate degree. Having grown up in a poor barrio in Puerto Rico, education became an integral part of my life to strive for something better and was able to accomplish that.
After having moved to Colorado with my husband in 2015 and starting a new life, in 2017 Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and our lives changed completely.
Coincidentally, I had also started my Master’s program. The first days when the Hurricane hit were some of the hardest days of my life. We worked hard to support our families and friends back in the island and ultimately we brought and supported my sister, my niece, and my mother.
My husband lost his job, I was not working temporarily and my family also had to start over. That’s how my first trimester went at DU. Things were better after a while but not without challenges. We faced numerous bureaucratical challenges, discrimination, all the while I worked 50+ hours in my different jobs up until graduation.
In the end, my family achieved stability, my husband found his dream job as Sr. DevOps Engineer, and I transitioned from coordinator in the field of Education to Project Manager at an IT company.
My whole journey at DU was filled with ups and downs at work and in my personal life, but I could always count on a community of professors, classmates, and advisors that were supportive and understanding in my lowest and in my highest.
The two years I spent at UCOL will be unforgettable, and I am privileged to have had such an experience and rubbed shoulders with so many wonderful people.
Congratulations, Andrew!
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges do students face while completing a program?
Many students balance work, family, and academic responsibilities at the same time, which can be demanding. Success often depends on time management, consistency, and access to support resources. With the right structure, these challenges become manageable and part of the growth process.
How does completing a degree impact career opportunities?
Earning a degree can open doors to new roles, promotions, or even entirely new career paths by demonstrating both knowledge and commitment. It also signals to employers that a candidate has developed discipline and relevant skills. Over time, this can lead to greater stability and advancement.
Why are graduation stories helpful for prospective students?
They provide real-world examples of what the student experience looks like from start to finish. This helps set realistic expectations while also offering motivation. Seeing others succeed makes the path feel more achievable.
What role does support play in student success?
 Support from instructors, advisors, and peers can make a significant difference in helping students stay on track. These resources provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement throughout the program. Strong support systems are often a key factor in completion.
