For Veron Achaleke, the path to graduation was anything but typical — but it was always the goal. 

Originally from Cameroon, Achaleke moved to the United States and later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, completing six years of service as a medical administrator with the 911th Airlift Wing in the Pittsburgh area. While balancing monthly military commitments, he enrolled at PennWest’s California campus  to pursue a degree in electrical engineering technology with a concentration in computer engineering technology. 

From the start, Achaleke approached college with a clear plan. He focused on building technical skills, practicing coding interviews and developing side projects — all aimed at landing internships. That strategy paid off with two internships in North Carolina at Deutsche Bank, putting him on track for a full-time role. 

But finishing his degree proved more complicated. 

Trying to accelerate his timeline, Achaleke took on an intense course load across multiple institutions while commuting long distances between Maryland, California, Pa., and Pittsburgh. 

“It wasn’t sustainable,” he said. 

When those courses didn’t work out, his graduation was delayed — and with it, his path to a full-time job. 

For a time, he found himself without a job and still short of his degree. But instead of stepping away, he doubled down. 

“The reason I wasn’t at that job anymore was because I didn’t have the degree,” he said. “So giving up was never really an option.” 

When he returned this spring to finish his final courses, PennWest staff worked to ensure he had the resources and stability needed to focus entirely on his final courses and labs through the support from Financial Aid and housing. 

Now graduating, he plans to return to North Carolina and continue pursuing opportunities in the tech field. 

His journey reflects focus, resilience and the kind of support system that helps students finish what they start — even when the path forward isn’t a straight line.