Between three and five million college students in the U.S., about one in every five, are also parents.
The overwhelming majority of those student parents, an estimated three in every four, are women.
About two million of those women are single mothers.
I was once one of those single student mothers. I once lived that life. Today, as a college administrator, I help other student mothers discover a new life.
Women who attend college while they’re pregnant or raising a newborn or toddler often need the help. Juggling the demanding roles of mother and student at the same time is a singular difficulty.
I know because I struggled as a mother. And one day, I made a decision that changed everything: I chose to further my education. That was my steppingstone to success.
Luckily I got the help I needed — enough help, it turned out, to graduate, find a job and launch a career.
Education gave me more than a career, though. It also gave me confidence, independence, and hope. It gave me the ability to stand back up every time life knocked me down and provide for my son and daughter.
I learned a lesson I carry to this day: No mother succeeds alone.
A few months ago, I got the opportunity to tell my story – titled “A Mother at 16, My Chances Were Slim. Education Saved Me” — in USA Today From single mom to college VP, I credit these real miracles | Opinion.
Maybe you know what I’m talking about. Maybe you’re a new mother considering going to college, but you’re unsure whether you can or should.
Check out the research available on the issue from sources such as the American Council on Education and The Institute for Women’s Policy Research. It shows, for example, that young mothers in college often run into unique challenges. Emotional stress, chronic exhaustion and social isolation all may conspire against them, along with stigma, financial strain, absenteeism and trouble managing time.
They may face the most dramatic of dilemmas. Imagine having to choose between caring for your sick child and attending your class. Or between paying for your tuition or for your rent and groceries.
Some student mothers come close to dropping out of school, while others actually do. Sometimes they come back, but other times they’re gone for good.
Yet student parents are sometimes motivated enough to excel academically while raising children. Some even score slightly higher GPAs than non-parent students.
Just ask Melissa Acosta. She was pregnant while she pursued an associate degree at Rockford Career College in healthcare. Today, as a single mother, she’s a human resources executive at Rockford Urological Associates, all while raising three children.
I know about the hardships of balancing motherhood with higher education. And that’s why my colleagues here and I are able to shepherd young student mothers through toward degrees, skills and thriving careers.
But here’s what I most want you to know.
You are stronger than you think.
You are capable of more than you know.
Your future is still yours to build.
All it takes is that first step.
And when you’re ready, reach out. We’ll be here for you.
Danielle Harriot
Vice President of Public Relations, Community Outreach, and Alumni Affairs
