Being a mom, holding down a job, and completing college are three things most students don’t have to manage.
Yet, for those who do, it is a struggle and a fight to not give up on their dreams.
The dual task of trying to raise a child and be a good parent, while trying to stay in school is exhausting. Yet, as Alejandra Muñoz says, “I can’t do it any other way. I set priority for her, even though I wish I could go back to school full time. I was nineteen when she was born, and was one semester away from finishing a bio-tech program.”
While having a child is inspirational, there is incredible emotional hardship involved.
“I wished I waited sometimes,” said Kristin Aguilar. “I was 21, and sometimes I feel like I missed out on my youth and my social life with my friends.
“But, when I do ever go out I miss my son and I am always the one who wants to leave early. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Yet, I always think about the ‘what if’ or ‘what could have been.’ But, I would never say I made a mistake, although sometimes I wonder how my life would have been different and if I’d still be with the same boyfriend.”
Working twenty-plus hours a week, along with school, is another trying circumstance for these women. While both live with a significant other, who works full-time, each wrestles with time to balance chores, dishes, laundry, and cooking, while trying to get homework done as well.
Childcare is another huge struggle. Both women rely on family.
As Kristin Aguilar says, “My brother worked around my work schedule and school schedule and then planned his classes accordingly. Then my Aunt came from the Philippines and she watches our son for $100 a week.”
Despite, being young and in college with a child, both women are proud to be survivors.
For women who are in school now with no children, count your blessings. And for women who are in school with children, do the same.