Home: Originally from Albania; Boston is home now
First-Generation College Student

Three words that describe your experience at Northeastern
Supportive. Challenging. Empowering.

---

Why Northeastern?

I chose Northeastern after learning about the CPS partnership through the Year Up program. The ability to transfer credits and continue my education without starting over made pursuing a degree feel realistic and achievable. CPS stood out to me because it understands nontraditional students and offers flexibility without lowering academic standards.

At Northeastern, I’ve had the opportunity to build on the foundation I started at Year Up while developing stronger academic discipline and confidence. Navigating a fully online environment while balancing family responsibilities was challenging, but it pushed me to become more organized and intentional with my learning.

Why Information Technology?

I’ve always been drawn to technology and innovation, especially as we move toward a future shaped by AI. My interest in IT started through the Year Up program, where I was introduced to the practical impact technology can have, and it continued to grow as I realized how quickly this field evolves.

I wanted to pursue a career that lives in the future. One that adapts, improves, and stays relevant over time. Choosing IT felt like the right path at the right time, and it continues to align with how I think, learn, and want to contribute.

What was your biggest challenge before coming to Northeastern?

Before enrolling at Northeastern, my biggest challenge was finding a way to complete my degree while raising two toddlers as a stay-at-home mother. Because my children depended on me full time, an on-campus program wasn’t realistic, which is why I chose the online program. It gave me the flexibility to keep moving forward academically while still being present for my family.

I learned to work in small windows of time, stay consistent even when things felt overwhelming, and keep my long-term goals in focus. That experience shaped how I approach challenges today.

What challenges did you face at CPS?

One of the main challenges I faced at CPS was managing my time and staying focused in a fully online environment while balancing family responsibilities. Without a traditional classroom setting, it required a lot of self-discipline and organization.

I overcame this by creating routines that worked for my schedule, breaking my workload into manageable pieces, and learning how to pace myself. Over time, I became more confident in handling my responsibilities and more comfortable reaching out for support when needed.

There were many moments during my time at Northeastern when everything felt heavy. Long days, late nights, and the constant balancing act of being a parent while working toward a degree. As a stay-at-home mother raising two young children, the quiet hours after bedtime often became my study time. I was exhausted and unsure at times but still determined to keep going.

What has your journey at Northeastern taught you?

My journey at Northeastern revealed that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. I used to be very hyper-independent and felt I had to figure everything out on my own. The support and feedback I received from professors helped change that mindset. I learned that mistakes are part of growth and that clear communication and self-advocacy make challenges more manageable. This shift has shaped how I approach obstacles both academically and personally.

The most valuable thing I’ve learned is resilience. Balancing school, family, and life brought moments of doubt and exhaustion, but learning to take things one day at a time helped me keep going. Staying patient, consistent, and focused on why I started shaped how I approach challenges today.

Resilience taught me that progress doesn’t require perfect conditions, just persistence.

Adelajda Bako

Through my coursework, I was challenged to think more critically, see problems from different perspectives, and support my ideas with facts rather than assumptions. Each demanding essay or project helped build my confidence and sharpen how I think today.

What changed most during this journey was how I see myself. I learned to ask questions, accept feedback, and stay consistent even when things felt difficult. That mindset translated into real results, and I’m proud to have maintained a high GPA while balancing school, family, and life.

How Northeastern Prepared Me

My experience at Northeastern has prepared me by teaching me how to manage responsibility, stay organized, and keep moving forward even when things aren’t perfect. Being part of the CPS program pushed me to become more self-directed and disciplined.

Through coursework and feedback from my professors, I’ve learned how to communicate more clearly, think through problems step by step, and adjust when challenges come up. These experiences have helped me feel confident in handling real-world professional and leadership roles.

Another strong source of motivation has been the support I’ve received through scholarships, including the Tony Gomes and Maria Cristina de Souza Scholarship. Receiving this award helped me financially, but more importantly, it reminded me that others believed in my potential.

Adelajda Bako

That support pushed me to stay consistent, work harder, and hold myself to high standards. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to meet Tony Gomes in person, which made that encouragement feel even more meaningful.

Advice for CPS Students

I would encourage anyone considering CPS to give it a real chance, especially if they need flexibility. For me, the program made it possible to balance school with family and other responsibilities without feeling like I had to sacrifice one for the other.

At the same time, CPS doesn’t lower its standards. Being online doesn’t make the work easier. You are expected to show up, communicate clearly, and contribute meaningfully, especially in group projects. Beyond classes, CPS also offers career fairs, workshops, and chances to connect with professionals.

CPS understands real life while still pushing you to grow.

Adelajda Bako

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Five years from now, I see myself working in the AI space in a product or project management role, helping guide teams, shape solutions, and turn ideas into real-world impact. I want to be leading initiatives, making strategic decisions, and bridging the gap between technology and people. At the same time, I see myself growing as an entrepreneur, building or contributing to projects that solve meaningful problems.

What motivates you?

What motivates me most is my children. They push me to be better and to lead by example, even if they don’t fully understand it now. I want them to grow up seeing what consistency and hard work can achieve, and to be proud of the path their mother chose.

I’m also motivated by personal growth. Finishing my degree was something I wanted for myself, to prove that I could succeed even under difficult circumstances and that I have more to contribute to my field.

Beyond Academics

I’m deeply passionate about learning and staying informed. I enjoy reading and keeping up with what’s happening in technology, politics, and society, as understanding the world around us matters to me. Health and well-being are also important to me, from movement and nutrition to spending time in nature and learning how to make better choices for myself and my family.

Spending time with my kids is central to my life, whether that means teaching them something new, exploring the city together, or passing down our culture and traditions. I’m passionate about people and giving back. Supporting others and being part of my community truly matters to me.

From Quiet Hours to Confident Leadership

I became a mother at a young age, left my family in Albania to build a new life in Boston, and continued pursuing education and professional growth even when the timing was never convenient. I completed internships, balanced responsibilities, and kept moving forward.

I’m originally from Albania, and while I’ve been living in the Boston area for the past eight years, my roots and extended family are still there. I consider Boston home now, where I live with my husband and our two young sons.

My story reflects perseverance in real life, not ideal circumstances. This degree represents my purpose, self-belief, and determination. It reflects the quiet strength of nontraditional students and shows what’s possible when persistence meets opportunity.

None of this would have been possible without support. My husband has been my biggest supporter, along with my family in Albania who have encouraged me every step of the way. As I prepare to graduate this year, I don’t just see a degree. I see how far I’ve come and the confidence I’ve built along the way. I’m forever grateful for the support and opportunities Northeastern has provided me.