The Reality of a Student Mom
Written By: Sara Delia
Every morning when my alarm starts screaming at 5 a.m., my body goes into auto-pilot. I roll over to one side of the bed, eyes still closed and arms stretching in the dark searching for that special button that will get my alarm to shut up and give me at least ten more minutes of sleep.
Once the room is quiet again, I can hear my inner voice complaining and wondering why in the world I thought that going back to school while raising a 3-year-old and working part-time was a good idea.
I finally drag myself out of bed. Breakfast is the start of what I call “OCD” or Obsessive Coffee Disorder, which usually continues until my “last call” around 3 p.m.
After breakfast, it’s time for homework until 8 a.m., then I wake up my daughter, Chloe, and get her ready for daycare. Next: classes, work, pick up my kid from daycare, go home, more homework, cooking, playing, bath, and finally in bed at 9 p.m..
It's a mess and it’s hard. After all this dedication and hard work, I still find myself counting pennies to pay rent.
This is the reality of most parenting students. We’re forced to milk every minute of the day, wondering what having a saving account feels like, constantly steering away from thoughts of maternal guilt for not spending enough time with our children, trying to succeed at school and work, having no time for self-care and juggling what feels like everything.
On top of it, education costs. Even if you’re lucky enough to get financial aid and cover tuition, there is still the cost of gas for commuting, the cost of books and other school supplies. Not to mention the hours spent at school without working and making an income.
It is important to remember that this situation is temporary and to take advantage of the programs available. For example, there is a bright side in being a student-working-parent and I am not talking about people saying how proud they are of you. I am talking about actual, concrete financial help given through grants specifically meant for mothers in school.
There are resources available for working student moms, we just have to find the time in our schedules to find them. One recommendation is asking your college or university for information on the degree specific scholarships. Another resource is Student Loan Hero, as they offer information on current grants and scholarships specific to your needs.
Often times students don’t take advantage of these opportunities, ultimately letting the grants and scholarships go unused. In the meantime, keep your head up and know you are not alone. Easier said than done though, right?