First Generation graduate Shoni Hendren will receive a double Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Mathematics from WNMU in May.SILVER CITY, NM — When Shoni Hendren crosses the graduation stage at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) this May, she won't just receive a diploma; she will carry her family's dreams with her. Hendren, a WNMU online student living in Belen, New Mexico, will graduate with a double Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Mathematics, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree.
For Hendren, the path to May 2026 was fueled by a drive to prove that dedication brings transformation. This milestone means more than words can express because it is bigger than a degree; it shows what's possible for her family and her community. She wanted her children to see that commitment makes any goal attainable, no matter the obstacles.
Hendren's path was anything but traditional. While at WNMU, she has been a 'quadruple threat,' successfully managing the roles of a full-time student, as well as a mother, a track coach, and an active community member. The discipline required to balance academic rigor with parenting and coaching now guides her leadership philosophy.
Hendren often reflects on the "lightbulb moments" she experienced in the classroom, particularly in her upper-level mathematics courses. She recalls how the complexity of the subject matter initially felt daunting, yet the structure and logic of math eventually became a source of empowerment. This journey from uncertainty to mastery is exactly what she intends to share with her future students. "I want my children, athletes, and students to see that real accomplishments come from sustained hard work and the courage to ask for help," Hendren says.
Hendren mentioned the residency program while taking classes at WNMU as particularly instrumental for her as it allowed Hendren to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world classroom setting. During her residency, Hendren also discovered that her background as a coach gave her a unique edge in classroom management and student engagement, allowing her to connect with learners who might otherwise struggle with the abstract nature of mathematics.
While Hendren's personal resolve was the engine of her success, she credits the WNMU faculty with providing the fuel. She highlights the university's unique environment, where support transcends departmental lines. "The professors at WNMU made all the difference because they didn't just teach content; they taught resilience," explained Hendren. She indicated that professor Hendren encountered believed in her, challenged her, and encouraged her to grow. They often saw potential in Hendren that she didn't see in herself, especially during those semesters when balancing her residency with home life felt nearly impossible. That support extended beyond the classroom to Hendren's family, as her professors understood the gravity of her commitment as a first-generation student and a parent.
Beyond the campus walls, Hendren points to her husband as the cornerstone of her academic journey. From late-night study sessions at the kitchen table to the stress of final exams, she emphasizes that this achievement is a shared victory. Her husband's willingness to step in with the children and manage the household during her most demanding weeks allowed her to focus on the high-level coursework required for her double major. "This achievement belongs to him and my children just as much as it belongs to me; we all sacrificed time together so I could reach this goal," Hendren said.
Graduation in May is a transition for Hendren, not an exit. Driven by her passion for education and a desire to deepen her expertise, she has already committed to continuing her studies at WNMU. Following her double bachelor's, she will begin her Master's degree program, further cementing her role as a leader in New Mexico's educational landscape. As a first-generation graduate, Hendren is blazing a trail for her family, students, and the Silver City community, proving that the finish line is only the beginning of a new chapter.
