From papers to playdates

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

While a lot of students’ main concerns are papers and tests, some are also concerned with raising a family. Juggling the roles of being parent and student have benefits and challenges for those willing to take on the task.

Photo by Ashleigh Lee

Sunyoung Kim, a graduate student from Seoul, South Korea helps her four-year-old son, Alan put on his coat while picking him up from Hilltop Child Development Center Wednesday evening.

Tellena Vincent, a senior from Shawnee drops off her three-year-old daughter Adynn every morning at Hilltop Child Development Center while she goes to class and studies all day.

“I went back to school to provide a better life for my family,” Vincent said. Vincent started taking classes part-time in 2005, but became a full-time student after Adynn was born. Majoring in mathematics, she will graduate in December and hopes to do actuary work with her degree.

Vincent has managed both responsibilities by doing all her school work during the day so that she has the evenings and weekends to spend with Adynn. Limiting her hours each semester and working with flexible professors has allowed her to succeed both in the classroom and at home.

“I put being mom first and a student second,” she said.

Sunyoung Kim, a graduate student from Seoul, South Korea, is pursuing a graduate degree in architecture with the idea of going back to work soon. This is because she said her daughter and son, Hyemin, 7, and Alan, 4, will no longer need a stay at home mom.

“My kids are growing up, and I have more free time so I wanted to pursue another career,” Kim said.

Kim also uses Hilltop Child Development Center where she has received financial aid for daycare, allowing her to pursue her studies. Although she is not as able to socialize as much with her fellow students, Kim enjoys the dual role she plays in her family.

“I feel more comfortable being a role model and giving them more provisions as a mother and leader of the family,” Kim said. “I continue growing as my kids are growing.”

However, getting started with the dual responsibilities can be challenging, as Shirley Moriano is finding out. Moriano, graduate student from Cali, Colombia, is just beginning her PhD program in economics this semester. She leaves her two-year-old daughter, Luna, at Sunnyside daycare during the day. While finding a balance in time management can be difficult, Moriano sees Luna growing from the experience.

“She can socialize and be happy to spend time with other children and learn from the teachers,” Moriano said. “I just want her to have a mom who keeps growing in every sense.”

As for advice Moriano has for anyone doing both roles, Moriano said to never give up.

“Keep going,” she said. “It will get better. It will always get better.”

— Edited by Katie James

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