For sisters Samaria Estrella and Mariana Landa, earning their degrees from Newman University was about setting an example for their children — proving that anything is possible.
While Landa celebrated earning her bachelor’s in business administration in May 2025, her older sister, Estrella, graduated the same day with her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an ESOL endorsement. It wasn’t the first time the sisters earned degrees simultaneously — the duo also earned their associate degrees together in 2012.
“We helped each other and were stronger together,” Landa said.
Flexible programs designed for working adults
Landa describes herself as a “very busy woman.”
“I have two kids, I work and my husband has a technical career as a plumber,” Landa said. “Now that I’ve accomplished my bachelor’s, I want our kids to see that whether it’s technical school or a four-year college, there are options. You can do either one and have a really good life. I want them to see both examples.”
Landa completed her degree close to home through Newman University’s partnership with Dodge City. Newman’s remote learning option was exactly what she was looking for, Landa said.
“Everything they promised, they came through,” Landa said. “The fact that they offer flexibility for somebody like me who was always busy was the main thing that attracted me. That’s what made it super easy and achievable for me.”
Like Landa, Estrella praised Newman’s flexibility, which made balancing work, family and graduate studies possible.
“With the schedule I have as a full-time teacher, a parent and wife, Newman gave me the flexibility to do everything,” Estrella said. “I love my teachers. They’re very helpful, very flexible and very understandable. I can reach them anytime.”
Meaningful mentors
Beyond academics, Estrella said her educational journey was deeply sentimental. She moved from Mexico to the U.S. at age 21, knowing no English. Today, her job involves bridging the challenge of a language barrier by teaching math to newcomer students at Comanche Middle School in Dodge City.
“My struggles have been because of the language, but I’ve been able to accomplish them,” she said. “This shows my kids that everything is possible when you want it. You just have to focus and work hard to accomplish your dreams. Newman is one of my dreams.”
Estrella earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through Newman. One person made a particularly big impact on both positive experiences.
“My first contact with Newman was Jessica Bird,” Estrella explained. “She is the first one that introduced me to the program and she’s the one who kept pushing me for more. Thanks to her, I got to know more wonderful people.”
For Landa, her own motivation came in part from her sister’s example.
“It was two years ago when I came to Samaria’s graduation for her bachelor’s that I thought, ‘You know what? I do want to do this,’” she said. “Her graduation motivated me a little more, and then when they talked to us about the new program offering, I thought, ‘OK, this is it.’”
The next step starts at Newman
Both sisters hope their journeys inspire others to pursue their goals through Newman University.
“Newman is very flexible. They’re always supportive,” Estrella said. “Even though I did my bachelor’s and master’s through Zoom and online courses, I actually enjoyed them because my teachers were always communicating, asking if we were OK and touching base.”
Landa agreed, adding, “If you have kids, you have family and you want to achieve your goal of getting a bachelor’s, but you don’t really have the time, I would totally tell them about Newman University and how flexible they made the program for me.”
Earn your degree at Newman
Find a degree that aligns with your goals and caters to your lifestyle at Newman University.
