My partner, Jenna, celebrated her college graduation recently, after dedicating five years to her studies while raising three children—one of whom was born during that time—all while I juggled two jobs.
Throughout those years, I often returned home late to find her wrapped in sweatpants, eyes weary and glued to her laptop, with our kids nestled on the sofa, a movie flickering in the background. The demands of college turned her into both a night owl and an early bird, burning the candle at both ends. She would often retreat to a quiet corner of the house to make the most of any spare moment she could find to complete her assignments.
Jenna welcomed our youngest daughter, Willow, just as the spring semester was nearing its end. I urged her to take a break, but she was adamant that she could handle her coursework despite her scheduled C-section. The entire term felt like an impending storm cloud.
Each day, she battled through exhaustion to stay on top of her studies, hoping to be prepared before Willow arrived. She kept her professors informed about her situation, and they were incredibly understanding. Yet, when the time came, she found herself behind on her coursework—between kids, pregnancy, and everything else that life threw at her.
In the hospital, as I cradled our sleeping baby, Jenna was propped up in bed, laptop balancing below her stitches, engaging in class discussions and drafting papers, her expression a blend of pain and fierce determination. I remember being in college when our other two kids were born, standing in the hospital with our son cradled in one arm while trying to study with the other. I thought I was dedicated, and I was, but I didn’t just have a newborn to care for and recovery looming over me. Jenna’s level of commitment after giving birth to our third was on a completely different level—there’s no other way to describe it but hardcore.
The real challenge came a month later when she had to request an incomplete from her professors to finish her spring classes over the summer. I could see the disappointment in her eyes as she made that request, feeling like she had let herself down. Although her professors were incredibly supportive, commending her strength and dedication, she felt that a significant life event shouldn’t interfere with her education.
In the two years following Willow’s arrival, I vividly remember trying to soothe our toddler, who was a handful that day. When Jenna returned home from class, Aspen immediately nestled into her shoulder, letting out a sigh of relief, as though Jenna was the solution to all her troubles. With one hand, she held Aspen and with the other, she worked on her term paper—a true testament to her multitasking abilities.
Midterm season was particularly tough for Jenna, and I’d often hear her express a desire to quit, saying, “I just want to be a mom.” It struck me that she downplayed her role, as if being a mom was an easier path. In reality, motherhood is a complex blend of countless responsibilities rolled into one, and her determination to tackle both motherhood and education was nothing short of inspiring. She frequently worried about the time she was taking away from our family, which shifted my role from supportive partner to a cheerleader. “You’re doing amazing,” I’d say. “You’ve got this! How can I support you?”
While I aimed to help with long-term solutions, often she just needed me to handle simple tasks like preparing lunch or taking care of small chores—things that were minor for me but felt overwhelming for her during stressful periods. Reflecting on her studying the day after giving birth, I realized how hard she was pushing herself.
At Jenna’s graduation, our 6-year-old daughter, Mia, placed the tassel on her cap. I’m unsure if Mia fully grasped the significance of her mother’s achievement, but I’m looking forward to sharing that photo with her one day, commemorating the hard work and dedication that led to that moment.
As I watched Jenna’s journey, I realized that her experience resonates with many mothers out there. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there were approximately 3.4 million student mothers in 2014. To all of you incredible women, I am genuinely in awe. Your commitment to both family and education is admirable and inspiring. What Jenna accomplished reflects the struggle and triumph that many of you share. You are true champions, and your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
For more insights into parenting and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and explore at-home insemination techniques with this informative guide. You can also learn about fertility and home insemination options with this authority on the topic.
Summary
This article celebrates the dedication of mothers who attend college while raising children. It highlights the inspiring journey of Jenna, a mother who balanced her education and family responsibilities, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of student mothers everywhere.