In previous decades, women pursuing higher education often did so before having children. If a woman already had children, she was unlikely to return to finish her education or even start it. However, times have changed. According to Psychology Today, one in four U.S. college students are parents, with the vast majority being women. Now more than ever, women have an equal opportunity to receive a college education and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
These opportunities, however, come with challenges. Balancing studies while caring for growing children is not an easy lifestyle, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Sakura Turner, a current student at Hillsborough Community College, manages the responsibilities of being a part-time student and a full-time mother.
She has two daughters: a 3-year-old and an 11-month-old. Her day is packed, with something to do every hour. She wakes up at 6 a.m. each morning, makes breakfast for her family, prepares lunch for her husband, dresses her 3-year-old, and takes her to daycare by 8 a.m. The next hours consist of cleaning, laundry, and caring for her baby.
Most working moms find it challenging to study with numerous errands and responsibilities. For Turner, she takes every opportunity to fit in study time. “My 11-month-old usually naps from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., so her nap time is my study time,” she shares. The rest of her day is spent running errands and playing with her baby.
Turner’s husband works full-time and is also a graduate student, so she tries to handle most of the housekeeping and childcare to allow him time to study and enjoy family time on weekends. At 5:30 p.m., she picks up her daughter from daycare, and they sometimes go to the park. The evening involves bathing the kids and preparing dinner.
By 10:00 p.m., after the kids are in bed and the dishes are washed, Turner studies until midnight before heading to bed. She often wakes up between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. to care for her baby. “She just needs a little breast milk, and she goes back to sleep in three minutes,” she explains.
Despite her hectic schedule, she strives to balance family time and school while managing her responsibilities. “I used to be a full-time student, but now I only take two or three classes because that was overwhelming for me,” she says.
Many challenges arise when juggling multiple responsibilities, from time management to financial struggles to finding moments for relaxation and family time. “The biggest challenge is making time for sleep,” Turner notes. With a schedule that keeps her up late and awake early, rest isn’t always consistent. She addresses this by taking naps with her baby when needed.
Turner prioritizes family time above all else. “For me, family time, especially with the kids, is the most important. I study when they are asleep and try to get ahead before the weekend,” she explains. Staying present in her children’s lives remains essential, despite her busy schedule.
Working as both a student and a parent can be mentally and physically taxing. Turner advises, “Don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s important to study hard, but if you get sick, it defeats the purpose.” Finding time to rest is just as crucial as finding time to study; otherwise, burnout can be challenging to recover from.
Studies show that having a good support system is beneficial for college students who are also raising children. Having someone to help watch the kids during lectures or to provide motivation can enhance a student’s well-being. “My motivation is my husband and kids, who always cheer me on,” Turner states. “Seeing my classmates working hard also motivates me.” Asking for help can be difficult, especially for parents who feel the need to handle everything alone. However, having the right support makes the workload feel more manageable.
It is common for college students to feel overwhelmed at times, and the pressure can be even more intense for parents. It’s important for these working parents to remember the purpose behind earning their college degrees. A solid education can lead to more job opportunities and a stable future for both them and their children.
Turner explains, “I decided to go back to college to get a great job so my family and I could travel more, to my home country and other places.” Although the journey is not easy, the relief of obtaining a college degree will make the effort worthwhile.
Turner initially began studying for the nursing program at HCC but has since decided to switch to the AA Arts program so she can graduate online. She plans to complete her degree in two more semesters.