“Keep Hammering”: How CNM Helped This Graduate Succeed Even When He Thought He Couldn’t

The CNM graduation cap that Justin Moore wore has two statements written on top: “Making New Tracks for Them” and “Keep Hammering.” These mantras helped guide him when he decided to enroll at CNM and have continued to inspire him throughout his academic and professional career.  

“The first footprint is mine and the other two are my children's; those remind me that I went back to school to create a better future for them,” he says. “And ‘Keep Hammering’ has been my mantra for a long time and reminds me that as long as I take things one nail, or in this case one term at a time, I will eventually look up and see that I’ve built a new life for myself.” 

Back in 2019, Justin was looking for a career change and had applied to several jobs at CNM. He eventually landed a position as a Student Services Technician for Admissions, and he was quickly encouraged by his supervisor to give higher education another try.  

“When I started at CNM, I was going through a rough patch and wasn’t sure what the future had in store for me,” Justin says. “Even as a newbie, I was immediately met with care and support from the CNM community and got started on my new academic journey.” 

Justin had actually enrolled at CNM previously but dropped out because he didn’t know what he wanted to do. The second time around he started in the Liberal Arts program, which gave him the opportunity to explore several disciplines including psychology, communications, and history.  

With the support of his supervisor and instructors, Justin excelled in his course work and found he had a love for history.  

“I had always struggled with school, and for a long time I believed that I wasn’t capable of completing higher education,” Justin says. “But when I started in the Liberal Arts program my confidence started to build, and my instructors always told me that I belonged. They were truly instrumental to my success.

Justin graduated with his associate degree in Liberal Arts in 2022 and immediately transferred to UNM to start working on his bachelor's degree in history. This past December, he graduated from UNM and is now pursuing his master's degree in history at Western New Mexico University.  

Meanwhile Justin also serves as the Dual Credit Manager for CNM Admissions. In this role he promotes CNM’s Dual Credit program to local high school students and ensures currently enrolled dual credit students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. 

For Justin, this role is the perfect opportunity to help empower young people who may feel discouraged about pursuing an education.  

“When I’m at recruiting events I strive to be intentional, especially with students who seem like underdogs, because I know what the feels like,” he says. “I tell my story often and that helps them feel connected not only to me, but to CNM. It’s so rewarding to help students see a different future for themselves.

Ultimately, Justin wants to teach United States and New Mexico history at CNM once he completes his masters.  

In the meantime, he plans to “Keep Hammering” at his educational goals and working to inspire other young people to follow their dreams.  

“The thing I tell potential dual credit students the most is that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” Justin says. “The other thing I tell them is that CNM is a great place to get started because the whole community will always be there to cheer them on, just like they’ve always done for me.”