For Raquel Gutierrez, earning a bachelor’s degree had always been a dream. But as a full-time working adult, finding a college program that would allow her to pursue that dream while continuing to work was a challenge.
At 29 years old, Raquel had already spent years working with children. She worked as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist before becoming a special education paraprofessional at a school.
“I wanted to pursue my bachelor’s degree to begin my career as an educator,” Raquel said.
Still, balancing work and higher education was not easy. She needed a program that could fit into her busy schedule while giving her the support she needed to succeed.
A Family Connection to SNU
Raquel’s decision to attend Southern Nazarene University (SNU) was influenced by someone close to her: her mother.
Raquel’s mother had attended SNU to earn her nursing degree and had a positive experience with the university. She especially appreciated the support she received during her time as a student.
Because of her mother’s experience, Raquel already had a connection to SNU before beginning her own college journey.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to come here for my education degree,” she shared.
The online learning environment gave Raquel the flexibility she needed as a working adult, while her professors provided the encouragement and understanding that helped her stay on track.
“I enjoy the professors. They are so understanding and uplifting,” Raquel said. “I enjoyed the online class environment.”
For Raquel, having professors who understood the demands of being an adult student made a meaningful difference. Her experience allowed her to continue working while taking the steps necessary to reach a goal she had carried for years.
Turning Education Into Opportunity
In May 2026, Raquel reached an important milestone, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education from SNU.
Her degree did more than help her accomplish a lifelong educational goal. It also helped create new opportunities for her professional future.
Soon after completing her degree, Raquel landed a position as a parent educator with a nonprofit organization, where she helps families.
For someone who had spent years working directly with children, the opportunity allowed her to expand the way she supports young people by working alongside and empowering their families.
Raquel’s journey demonstrates how an education degree can serve as a bridge between experience and new career opportunities. Her previous work with children gave her valuable insight into the field, while earning her bachelor's degree in education helped prepare her to take the next step.
A Dream Worth Pursuing
Raquel’s story is also a reminder that being a working adult does not mean putting educational goals on hold indefinitely.
For years, she wanted to earn her bachelor's degree but struggled to find a path that worked with her full-time job. At SNU, she found an online learning environment that allowed her to continue working while pursuing her education.
Her journey began with a dream and years of experience working with children. It continued with the encouragement of her family, supportive professors, and a program that worked with her busy lifestyle. Now, she is using her education to help families in her community.
What once felt difficult to pursue became a reality in May 2026, and her degree opened the door to a new chapter in her career.
For Raquel, earning her degree was not simply about adding a credential to her résumé, but about creating a path toward the career she had always wanted and discovering new ways to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Please join us in congratulating Raquel on her achievements. We’re proud to celebrate the impact she is making in her community and the difference she will continue to make for years to come.
