This is a sponsored guest post.
For full-time moms, temper tantrums and over-filled diapers consume daily life as you scramble to care for others’ needs before your own. For those considering returning to school, continuing your education may be the first thing you’ve done for yourself in years. Whether you’ve recently waved your child off to college, reintroducing long-lost desires for higher education, or you’ve been diligently planning your return to school, obtaining a degree is sure to enrich your life.
Acquiring a degree enhances earning potential and increases the chance of landing the high-paying job of your dreams. However, while most mothers have overcome countless parenting hurdles, becoming well adjusted to life with children, university life brings a whole new set of challenges.
Inadequate sleep, test anxiety, and poor time management are all obstacles new students must learn to work through. First-year-students often spread themselves thin, and full-time mothers will likely experience intensified stress as they strive to balance home life with schoolwork. Juggling academic responsibilities and children’s needs can be extremely frustrating, especially if your university lacks adequate child care or financial aid.
In addition, mothers often face feelings of extreme guilt as they set aside personal, child-free time because of antiquated social stigmas forcing them to feel out of place in the academic communities. Despite the challenges faced by college-bound mothers, the experience of higher education is well worth the price tag. Ensure your college career is fruitful and anxiety-free by preparing adequately, setting you on the road for success.
Take advantage of the resources available
Beginning the journey into higher education as a parent will take patience and resilience. However, you can reduce frustration and maximize your time by utilizing the resources available. Consider utilizing on-campus daycare facilities, enroll in subsidized after-school programs, apply for government grants and initiatives, and use handy applications for easy access and navigation.
Tools like the Common Application make applying for college a breeze and can save busy parents time by compiling information in one, easily accessible space. Simply fill out the provided form and send your application to multiple schools at once to reduce stress and unnecessary headaches.
Research financial aid
Coming up with funds for school is a daunting hurdle every student encounters. To evade expensive fees, lower tuition prices, and receive aid, evaluate your financial priorities beforehand and apply for federal loans if applicable. Do some digging to find adult student scholarships and grants explicitly aimed toward mothers returning to school.
Set a realistic timeline
Obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree requires a full-time workload and extreme dedication, regardless of parenthood status. While it’s not impossible for moms on the go to participate in grueling degree pathways, allowing yourself some wiggle room will allow you to manage future anxiety and expectations. Analyze your current schedule and estimate the amount of time you can reasonably devote to courses to avoid missed deadlines and cranky, attention-hungry children.
Become an expert organizer
Maintaining a functioning home and successful academic career may get chaotic at times. Eliminate needless stress by organizing your time around deadlines, important family events, and exams. Create a detailed schedule every semester that allows you to look ahead and effectively manage your time.
Celebrate the small stuff
One of the proponents of higher education is pushing boundaries and challenging mindsets. With that in mind, reward yourself where you can and be gentle when mistakes slip in. Each course you pass is a step forward to your future, and the 80% exam score is a depiction of your hard work and dedication. Returning to school as a mother is inspiring— celebrate yourself and what you’ve accomplished.
Wrapping up
While the thought of returning to school after years of parent-exclusive activities and minimal alone time may seem daunting and unattainable, the personal and financial benefits exceed the drawbacks. Invest in yourself like you would your loved-ones and soar into your college career.
