05/12/2026
"During my journey toward earning my METM degree, I was fortunate to receive encouragement from many friends and family members, but the most meaningful support came from my husband, my son, my mom, my sister, and my closest friends. Over the past 21 months, they did not simply stand beside me—they walked this journey with me every step of the way.
My husband was my anchor throughout the program. He stepped in wherever needed, taking on additional responsibilities at home and offering constant reassurance during the most demanding moments. Whenever the workload felt overwhelming, he reminded me why I started this journey and encouraged me to keep pushing forward.
My son, in his own way, became one of my greatest sources of motivation. Balancing school, work, and family required sacrifices, and his patience, understanding, and love never went unnoticed. He inspired me to stay committed, even during the most challenging times.
My mom also played an important role in helping me stay on track throughout this journey. Whether it was helping me manage everyday responsibilities or keeping me organized when my to-do list felt endless, her support allowed me to stay focused during some of the busiest periods of the program.
My sister and best friends were also an incredible source of encouragement. They continuously checked in on me, celebrated the small victories along the way, and reminded me to keep believing in myself during moments of stress and exhaustion. Their support, understanding, and encouragement helped carry me through this journey more than they know.
Their unwavering support gave me the strength, focus, and determination to succeed. Earning my METM degree is not solely a personal achievement—it is a reflection of the resilience, sacrifice, and shared commitment of the people who stood beside me throughout this journey.
Without them, this accomplishment would not have been possible."
— Irma Rodriguez, METM '26
