I was a teen mom. I was pregnant at 16 and had my daughter when I was 17-years-old in my senior year of high school. My due date was June 22, 1996, but, she had her own plans and came into this world June 5th. I guess it worked out because she was just shy of a month old and was in attendance at my high school graduation. My graduation day was June 22, my scheduled due date. I just knew I was going to miss graduation and not be able to walk the stage. It’s a blessing I was able to complete my high school education.
Once I graduated, being a good mother and being able to provide for my daughter was the most important thing to me. I had the support of her father and my family. I even had plans to attend college, but those plans shifted and I made working a priority over my education. At the time I didn’t see how I could balance being a new mom, working and taking college courses. I didn’t want to be a failure; I wanted to be successful so I put it off.
My family began to grow and going to school seemed to get put off even further as I got older. My life revolved around being a good employee, caretaker and spouse, and putting myself on the back burner. At the age of 21 I was the mother of a preschooler, toddler and newborn determined to not be a statistic in society. I had tunnel vision and only saw working as a way to survive and provide for my family. I still thought about going back to school from time to time. Life wasn’t easy, but, we had everything we needed and each other.
I currently have two college age children, one in high school and one in elementary school. My oldest is a junior at a local university and I made it my mission to expose her to experiences I missed out on when I was her age. I didn’t go to my senior prom, I was nine months pregnant! I made sure she went to ALL her school formals, dances and proms for middle school and high school. She participated in an AKA Debutante Cotillion when she was a senior in high school. I wanted to give her everything I never had.
As my children have gotten older and more independent I am at a point in my life where I am ready to fulfill all my hopes and dreams that I put on hold to give them my best. I love to learn and keep up with ever changing technology. It’s important to me to not only push my kids in the right direction but, also let them know that I’m right there with them. I’m almost an empty nester with my oldest in college and her sister about to head into the ARMY. My sons are not too far behind!
There have been countless sacrifices that I made so I could be present in my children’s lives and try to give them the best that I could. I’m sure mistakes were made along the way after all parenting doesn’t come with a handbook and I was a teenager with my first two children. They are only eighteen months apart. I used to focus on materialistic things but, as I got older and wiser I started to focus more on experiences and memories that we could all cherish.
It’s important for me to show my children that I practice what I preach. I’m not hard on them just because I want them to be better than I was at their age. That is a huge part of it though… I want to show them that with an education they will have so many opportunities open to them. I have many years of on-the-job experience that has made me proficient in my skill set. I still wish I would have gone to school to get a degree or certification. I sometimes feel like I get overlooked for opportunities. A certification plus my on-the-job experience would be a great combination.
When I looked at the curriculum that Virginia College offered and the timeline of when I could potentially finish a program, I was confident that I could make it work with my hectic schedule. The flexibility of the courses along with being able to do some work online was a relief. I also had some concerns about cost, but they were put at ease because you get a financial advisor to walk you through everything step by step. I could even apply for financial aid to assist with the cost of a program, if needed.
I was impressed that Virginia College has accredited programs available along with career development and hands-on training. The class sizes are small and career focused so students are ready for their professions.
Disclosure: Thank you to Virginia College for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and completely my own.
I went to college after I graduated high school, but only for 2 years. It wasn’t for me at the time, but I did go back and get my degree after I had my first son because it was important to me to complete what I started.
I continued my education and received my degree when I had 4 small kids! It was tough but well worth the sacrifices. I say follow your dreams and it’s never too late to go back to school! Good for you and I wish you the best!
I think I would like to go back to school for graphic design or something web related since I do so much blogging now. I graduated with a degree in psychology, but I never went on to get my master’s degree. I stayed home with my kids instead.
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My Dad has just decided to complete his degree now he has retired, I don’t think it is ever too late to learn if you have the want inside you to do that.
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Good for you for going back to school and getting your degree. That is definitely something I admire. It’s not easy to go back to school especially after having children and just wanting to relax. I say follow your dreams.
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Continuing education is and should always be something that never ends. After the formal education is done there are still many ways to continue learning and growing.
Oh yes, I tell my kids to keep learning. Always. I would like to go back to college at some point. I’ll probably take some online classes.
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I embarked on a continuing education journey to advance in an ever changing area of my career. Whatever the personal goal is, I would recommend continuing education.
You are so inspiring! I know your kids are seeing the value of hard work and that is so important! You should feel so proud of yourself, going to school and raising kids takes a lot of dedication.
I was over 30 when I got my bachelors and over 40 when I got my masters. It is such hard work but what an incredible feeling when you reach your goals and graduate. Good for you!!!
Robin, that’s so wonderful! Isn’t it a great feeling when you finish what you start.
Alli, Thank you!
Lifelong learning is so important. Continuing education through Virginia Tech sounds like a great option for a lot of people.
Christy, I know so many people who have degrees in a specific field but it’s not their career. I say go for it especially if you enjoy graphic design and web related tasks.
Sarah, Good for him! That’s very inspiring! I wish him all the best.
Jeanette, I think that’s the only way I’ll feel accomplished and successful. I’m allowing my dreas to drive me!
Candy, So true! We’re always learning in this everchanging world.
Amber, that’s awesome! There are so many programs available now that make it convenient for our Mom Lifestyle.
Leslie, I’ve seen you in student mode and so dedicated! It’s all paying off with your career and I can see that. I totally agree with following your personal goals.
Emily, I grew up with my oldest two and want to practice what I preach! It means a lot to me to show them and not just be a dictator of what they should do.
Jen, Congratulations! I knew I couldn’t put it off forever and the kids are older now so I can start to focus on ME!
Pam, yes after researching the programs I found that Virginia College had great options to fit my hectic lifestyle! WAHM, Homeschooling MOM, and Entrepreneur! I do a lot of juggling!
Good for you for doing something for yourself. IT’s not easy but it’s so worth it. You go girl.
I’ve been a single mom for about 8 years now after being a stay at home for 11. Providing a good stable life for my son became the most important thing to me.
This is such an inspiring post. It is so important for people to follow their dreams and not let anything get in their way, and of course, education is the way to get there!
I believe that people are never too old to learn, and that it’s good to try and learn something every day. I went back to college for 2 years over 30+ years after I’d last attended and graduated..
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The best decision I ever made was to continue my education. I loved reading this post. You’re such an inspiration!
Learning is a never ending process and I’m glad you still keep on learning new concepts. You’ve been through a lot but you kept on pushing and learning.
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Continuing education is important to me. One of my top skills is learning so I’m always trying to learn new things. I had my daughter at young age and I understand putting your needs on the back burner. I love how you made sure your children had everything and didn’t miss out on key experiences. Great job Mama!!
Education wasn’t a priority for my parents so I had to wait a few years after getting out of high school to go to night school and pay for it myself.
I wish I would have done more.
I didn’t earn my Bachelor’s Degree until 2010. I was 33 at the time. I am so glad that I did it, though. 🙂
Education is very important and even if there has been a break, one should get back to it. With technology and advances, this has become much more accessible too.
Well truly said, learning is a lifelong process.
absolutely right hats off to you!