Maria Eden Peralta recently completed her Master of Science in Business Data Analytics and walked across the stage at NLU's June 2025 graduation ceremony. As a first-generation college graduate who also earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems from NLU in 2024, Maria's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and determination.
Maria's path to becoming a data analyst wasn't linear. Before arriving in the United States in 2016, she had built a background in entrepreneurship, wearing many hats and learning to navigate uncertainty with grit and creativity. Moving to America meant starting over—a daunting prospect that ultimately opened doors to possibilities she had never imagined.
"I was fortunate to land a role in a pharmaceutical company, and that became a turning point in my life," Maria reflects. "I wasn't just clocking in—I was observing how systems worked, how decisions were made, and, most importantly, how data quietly powered everything behind the scenes."
That experience sparked something deeper. Maria became fascinated by how data could reveal trends, uncover inefficiencies, and shape real-world outcomes. She realized she wanted to be at the intersection where technology meets business—where raw data becomes meaningful insight.
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While many factors contribute to choosing the right university, for Maria, it came down to something profoundly human: a conversation with an enrollment specialist during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"His voice over the phone wasn't just informative; it was reassuring," she recalls. "He didn't treat me like just another applicant. He followed up consistently, offered guidance, and made me feel like I belonged—even before I enrolled."
Maria found NLU's welcoming community, flexible learning environment, and accessible support system stood out immediately. The financial flexibility, scholarship opportunities, and online course offerings made higher education feel possible during uncertain times.
One of the most transformative experiences in Maria's NLU journey came through an unexpected opportunity: the COOP Careers Fellowship through NLU's Career Services. Initially skeptical, Maria's perspective changed when she received a personal phone call from a COOP recruiter.
"That fellowship was a game changer that sharpened my technical skills in analytics, but more importantly, it gave me confidence to collaborate with others, work with real-world projects, and see myself as a future professional in the tech world," Maria explains.
The fellowship opened doors she hadn't even considered knocking on—and for zero cost, making what once seemed out of reach suddenly accessible.
Maria's educational journey wasn't without significant challenges. The biggest obstacle she faced was a combination of self-doubt and financial strain, particularly during the pandemic when she lost her job. Despite the many lows, she kept pushing forward because she truly believed education could change her life.
"What helped me push through was the encouragement I received from my NLU professors—their thoughtful feedback on assignments and genuine support during class discussions reminded me of my potential, even when I couldn't see it myself," she shares.
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This support from faculty became a recurring theme throughout Maria's experience. Every professor she encountered at NLU recognized the potential in her work and contributions, providing feedback that helped her grow academically while reshaping how she saw herself.
When asked to describe NLU in one word, Maria chose "Empowering." As a first-generation college graduate navigating major life transitions, she explains that NLU didn't just educate her—it empowered her to see herself in rooms she never imagined she could be in.
"NLU consistently gave me the tools, support, and belief in myself to go further than I thought possible," Maria says. "Professors who teach beyond the textbook, who truly care about your growth as a thinker and as a person—that's the NLU difference."
Today, Maria has achieved her goal of becoming a Data Analyst, no longer just aspiring but actively working in the field she's passionate about. Her career path has expanded to include multiple possibilities, whether as a Data Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, or Data Scientist.
"NLU didn't just teach me software—they taught me how to think critically, ask better questions, and use data to drive meaningful change," she reflects. "I'm no longer aspiring—I'm prepared, I'm capable, and I'm moving forward with a purpose."
Learn More About NLU's B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems
Maria's advice to new students considering NLU comes from a place of deep understanding: "You belong here. I say that with confidence because I've been in your shoes."
"Don't be afraid to ask questions, to seek support, and to celebrate your progress, even when it feels small," she encourages. "Those moments add up. NLU is more than a school—it's a community that empowers you to grow, believe in yourself, and succeed on your own terms."
Maria's gratitude extends beyond her personal achievements. She hopes to give back by mentoring and volunteering, wanting to be the kind of person who reminds others that transformation is possible with the right support.
"I want to be that voice that says, 'You can do this,' because NLU was that voice for me," she concludes.
Maria's journey from entrepreneur to data analyst demonstrates that with determination, the right support system, and a community that believes in your potential, it's possible to transform challenges into stepping stones toward a meaningful career. Her story embodies the spirit of NLU's commitment to empowering students to achieve their dreams, regardless of where they start.
Congratulations to Maria Eden Peralta on her recent graduation and successful launch into her analytics career. Her story serves as an inspiration to current and future NLU students pursuing their own transformative educational journeys.
