Balancing work, school and family is not an easy task to complete especially when you are a single mother of 2 and 27 like I am. My daughters are 12 and 2 and I have been going to Bryant & Stratton College since 2007. I completed my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice on campus December 2008 and will complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice this August through the online education. I plan to become a criminal investigator for the federal government and work my way up higher. There are no limits for me.
I am a full time employee of a reputable bank; majority of my schooling was full time status, four classes a semester and I am a single mother. My days are always busy. I get up get my daughter to school, I get dressed, get my youngest dressed then out the door to daycare and then I go to work. Off work, pick up my youngest from daycare, oldest goes home from school. I get home, clean if needed, cook, give baths, help with homework, spend time, either fun games or movie time, then bedtime, then I go to class and interact with my classmates in the discussion forums, or complete assignments. By this time its 1 or 2 am. Back up at 6 am to do it all over again, BY MYSELF.
During school I’ve encountered many obstacles but I continued to stay focused and determined to succeed in life and make a better life for myself and my girls. I’ve gone through giving birth to my youngest, custody battles with her, major surgery, different roles and training for my job and all while on the President’s list and Dean’s list at the end of each semester. I am the first in my family to go to college and graduate. Now I have 2 degrees and working on my 3rd. I will continue my education and begin my Master’s program this September.
I’m not settling for an applause just acknowledgment. It is many other women that are single mothers, working and going to school that do not get the recognition that they deserve, myself included. I applaud Amber for wanting to do and get more out of life. Her daughter will see the sacrifices and compromises that she is making to have a better life for the family. I inspire others around me to do more and to go back to school. My oldest see the hard work that I put in every single day. At the end, it is all worth it. I once read something very inspirational that helps me continue to succeed.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a LEADER” – John Quincy Adams
So Amber, continue to do more because you are a leader for your family and those around you.
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Keenya Evans of VA 11:32AM July 20, 2010