When you were young, did you dream of college or have ambitions for big career opportunities? Did you dream of the fun and excitement of starting your own journey, your own path, your own way? Maybe you dreamed of the freedom, everything you will learn, the friends you will make, and one day walking across that stage with your college degree with the ability to start your dream job.

However, sometimes things unexpectedly happen – like an unplanned pregnancy. Suddenly, your dreams of college are halted at a screeching stop.

You may wonder, “Can I even go to college?” “How can I afford college and a baby?” or “How can I dedicate my time to school and give my child the attention he/she needs?”

The answer to these questions may not come easy, but one thing is important to note: IT IS POSSIBLE!

The extraordinary graduates I mention in the next few paragraphs are examples of strong, hard working mothers who went after their dreams and had their babies along for the wild ride.

Josie: Licensed Practical Nurse

Josie, who is 24 years old, had her child at the age of seventeen. To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Josie had to enroll in two years of basic courses, followed by a 10-month nursing program.

Between classwork and motherhood, Josie also worked part time to pay for her classes. She worked at fast food restaurants and babysat for families in her community, and she scheduled classes on certain days during the week so she could work on the remaining days. She had a supportive family and the Sumners Grant to help with finances.

Each morning, Josie would wake up with her son, get him ready for the day, and have her mother or grandmother watch him while she went to school and then work. On her days off, she was able to spend the whole day with her son.

Josie encourages mothers to continue their education. She says, “Acquiring an education while working and raising a kid at such a young age is never easy for anyone. But it is more than worth it when you can finally provide for you AND your child on your own. I would tell any young mother to not give up.”

Josie has since married the love of her life, obtained her LPN, and is now raising her son with her husband. She made it through high school and a nursing degree with her son by her side.

Holly: Business Administration

Twenty-four-year-old Holly became pregnant in college and had her daughter at the age of twenty-one. She obtained her bachelor’s in business administration in 2019, and is now pursuing her master’s in business administration. She is expecting to graduate in May of 2022.

For her bachelor’s degree, Holly was able to obtain several scholarships and grants and graduated without any student debt. During her time as an undergraduate student, she worked day and night shifts at Zaxby’s as the assistant manager.

In between her shifts, she would go to her classes and study. There were some nights that Holly didn’t get home until midnight and then continued to study. During her busy days, Holly’s daughter mainly attended daycare, and a few days she was with her father.

Currently, Holly has a full-time job at Mississippi State University, where she is also attending classes for her master’s program.

After work, she picks up her daughter from school, and they get to spend time together cooking dinner, cleaning, and bath time. Although Holly’s schedule is busy, she is still able to enjoy time with her daughter.

After she puts her daughter to bed, Holly continues her studies. She said there are days when she feels guilty for putting her schoolwork first because these are precious times with her daughter. However, she knows that the education she is obtaining will benefit her and her daughter in the long run.

Holly wants to share this message with other single mothers: “When there are times of doubt and times where I am completely overwhelmed, I go back to the question, ‘Why did I want to further my education in the first place?’ The answer is simple. I want a better life for me and my daughter.

I'm a single mom, and I'm not sure how long that will last. I want to be sure that we're secured financially and then some. I want her to grow up and see how much she can accomplish even when odds may not be in her favor. I want to be the best person I can be, so that she can grow up wanting to be the best person she can be.

I could stop pursuing my graduate degree, but what good would that do for us? I realize that every situation is different, but giving yourself a chance can open so many doors for you and your child/children.

You are a mom. You are already a strong human being, so use that power and let it work for you.

It may take a year. It may take five years. Heck, it may even take ten years, but doing things at your own pace is key.

Doubt and fear can be really heavy on a mom who is uncertain of which steps to take in life, but doubt and fear are just excuses that delay your growth.”

Meghan: Respiratory Care Technology

Meghan, who is 24 years old, had her son at the age of sixteen. She graduated with her associate’s in respiratory care technology.

Not only did Meghan finish high school as a teenage mother, but she also spent four years as a college mom. She played soccer in high school, so she was able to obtain a soccer scholarship along with Pell Grants to pay for her education.

During her time as a student mother, Meghan utilized resources like daycare assistance programs, food stamps, and WIC. Aside from school, she also worked two jobs.

During the day, when Meghan was at work or school, her son attended daycare full time. She was able to put her son in daycare because of the childcare assistance program offered by her state. She also thanks her family and friends for being so supportive during the time she was in school.

Meghan encourages single moms to never give up. She says, “Don’t give up. You can find a way. It’s so worth it to get a degree, especially as a female. It’s so hard to find a decent-paying job without a degree.

My kids now have a great life and we don’t struggle and they have more than they could ever need or want, and it’s all because I pushed through and did the work for my degree to be able to provide for them. There are so many things out there to help you, between child care assistance programs that help with daycare costs and Pell Grants and food stamps.”

Meghan is now married to her high school sweetheart, works full time as a respiratory therapist, and has two children.

Allie: Business Communications

Allie, now 29 years old, had her son when she was 24 years old. Allie graduated with a degree in business communications.

Allie’s degree took her six years to complete. As a pregnant college student, she was able to utilize financial aid to help with college expenses, and she opened her own Etsy shop to bring in extra income. During the day, Allie worked full time at a doctor’s office and then continued her work when she got home with her Etsy shop.

Three times a week, her son would attend daycare for half a day. That is when she would get most of her Etsy orders complete. She would pick him up at noon and spend the rest of the day with her son. Once he fell asleep at night, she would do her online assignments.

Allie switched to online classes after her son was born so she could be with him as much as possible. She said that one of her biggest challenges was losing friends during this stage in her life and not having an active social life. She said finding friends who love you and your child is a true blessing.

Allie says, “I used my son as my inspiration to get me through school. I wanted to be able to look back and show him how hard I worked for us. I got my degree to show him that anything can be done with hard work and dedication. When he gets older, I hope he can look up to me for not giving up and doing everything in my power to give him the best life possible!”

Allie currently has a full time job as an insurance broker. As a single mom, she was able to purchase her own home and raise her son. She is now engaged to the love of her life.

You can do it, too!

Obtaining your college education is not going to be easy. There will be days when you second guess yourself, feel guilty for not spending enough time with your child, or simply feel exhausted. But these women have done it, and you can too!