Off To School Moms Go: Returning To The Classroom

By Sue Marquette Poremba

Judy Niemi Johnson advises adults who would like to attend college. When she talks to them, she can go beyond the statistics; she can pull on her personal experience. Niemi Johnson recently completed a master's degree program while juggling her job and family.

"I had to learn how to prioritize events," says Niemi Johnson, who is a weekend college admissions counselor at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. "I took time every day to connect with my family, but I also had to make sure I scheduled in study time."

The decision to attend school is one of the most selfish decisions a mom can make. It means taking time away from the family to attend classes and to study. The children and the spouse will be asked to pick up more chores and become more independent. It may also require family members to cut down on some of their own activities.
However, furthering her education, whether it is for job advancement or for personal enhancement, is also one of the most positive things a mom can do for herself.

Making the Big Decision

Attending school is something many women talk about doing, but most put it off, saying, "I'll go to school when the time is right." But when is the time ever right for a mom? Either the kids are too young or too busy. Or money is too tight. Or there just aren't enough hours in the day. Few of us can envision adding to our already hectic schedules.

There is no perfect time to return to school, although there are some situations, such as a divorce, a spouse's job loss or job demands, which provide an extra push. It is a matter of deciding what type of schooling works best for you, ensuring the cooperation of your family and then diving in.

Attending school doesn't automatically mean going to a traditional college or sitting in classes with 18-year-olds. School can be continuing education classes to learn computer skills, learning massage therapy or hair styling or training for a certain trade.

Once you decide what path you want to take, Niemi Johnson suggests researching different schools and programs, if possible, and talking to counselors. Many schools recognize the growing number of non-traditional students (schools usually consider anyone over age 24 as a non-traditional student) and provide special counseling offices and classes.

For example, Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management in California began an MBA program called The Morning MBA. It is geared toward stay-at-home moms (and dads) who want to return to the workforce when their children are older. Classes are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m., two days a week, when children are at school. Some questions Niemi Johnson and Augsburg College recommend asking yourself during your school search include the following:

- Can I complete a degree and still have a life?
- What are the admission requirements?
- What services are available to adults?
- Can I get credit for life experiences or from previous college classes?
- Do I qualify for financial aid?

There are a few situations in which someone should put off attending school. If someone in the family has a major illness or if there has been a recent death or other life-altering event, it would be better to postpone school until you can give it more of your attention. School is stressful; it would be difficult to add that stress on top of unusually stressful home situations.

Paying for School

Next to figuring out how to balance school with family life, financing an education can be a major concern. Luckily, financial aid is available for many students. According to Reecy Aresty, author of Getting Into College and Paying for It (College Assistance Inc., 2005) there are four types of aid available:

- Scholarships, which can come through the school or through private organizations. Some women's organizations offer scholarships especially for non-traditional students. There are helpful Web sites available to search for scholarships, including WeeklyScholarshipAlert.org.

- Loans. There are federal loans available especially for college students, or potential students can look into banks and lending institutions.

- Grants. The federal Pell Grant is best known, but see if your state also offers grants. Unlike loans, grants don't have to be paid back.

- Federal Work Study. If you qualify for work study, you'll have to earn your money by working at a campus job. The financial aid office usually has a list of work study jobs available.

The amount of financial aid monies available is determined by income and assets from the tax year prior to the start of school, according to Alisa LeSueur, a certified college planning specialist. She adds that it is important to remember that child support money is considered income when you're applying for financial aid, and it may lessen the amount you are eligible to receive. Also, if you work, check with your employer to see if your company offers educational benefits.

Going to the Head of the Class

You've made the decision and decided to further your education. To increase your chances for success:

- Make it clear to your family that you will need their cooperation.
- Set up a regular time and place to study. If your children are in school, arrange study time together.
- Set up regular time to do fun things. Being a student on top of running a household can be overwhelming. Carve out time each day to play with the kids and be alone with your spouse. And don't forget to schedule regular dates with friends. They'll keep you sane.
- Introduce yourself to each instructor at the end of the first class and explain your life situation. It won't exempt you from hard work, but if the instructor knows of your other responsibilities, he is likely to be more understanding if you have to miss a class due to work or a sick child.

It's not easy, but, as Niemi Johnson says, she has never met a mom who regretted going back to school. "Their only regret is that they didn't start sooner," she says.


Article found on Momstoday.com.

< Back to Adult Ed

Report An Issue >>>