Balancing Motherhood, Business, and College: One Student’s Journey

By Hannah Hayes, Special to the Journal

Between raising children, running a business, and attending college full-time, many Pellissippi State Community College students are proving that earning a degree isn’t just for recent graduates from high school. Adults are returning to the classrooms in large numbers, which typically means they are balancing a busy personal life along with their college courses. Although the challenges may be difficult, returning to college has so far been one of the most rewarding things I have done. 

I am one of those students. As a mother of four and a co-owner of a moving company,  I know firsthand how difficult it can be to juggle multiple responsibilities while also pursuing a degree. Like many adult college students, my schedule looks a little different from someone who just graduated straight from high school. Instead of waking up in my first apartment or student dorm with three other roommates, I start my day taking care of four wild children while also balancing my work responsibilities and trying to squeeze in schoolwork here and there. Most nights, after my children have gone to bed, my evening consists of logging onto Brightspace and working to get my assignments in before their due dates. If one of my children took a nap too late and isn’t ready for bed, I am just hoping and praying I can wear them out in enough time to still get some work done. There have been many evenings when I am drinking an energy drink or a cup of coffee at 10:00 p.m. to help keep myself awake so I can work. 

One of the biggest challenges I have faced while balancing a busy life and college is managing my time well. I come from a family where my father was not around much and my mother was under the influence of alcohol, so my sister and I did not get to experience a lot in our lives. I am often overrun with guilt because I want to give my children the best lives I possibly can, and that means doing activities as often as we can. One day I might wake up and take them to the waterpark because they have so much built-up energy, knowing I have an exam and two discussion posts, as well as five quotes to send out to customers by the end of the day. I need to factor in unexpected life events, such as having to get more moving blankets and another truck to a customer’s house because their job ended up being more than we anticipated. These events always take up time, and in my busy schedule, time is extremely valuable. I know I am not the only adult learner who struggles to balance school with the responsibilities of everyday life. 

Though some days seem difficult, some seem too short or too long, the determination to provide for my children, no matter what, and to show them that you can achieve your goals, no matter your age or how difficult life becomes, is what keeps me going. My sweet husband, Michael, also keeps me going. Every single day he says, “Honey, check on your schoolwork. Let me know what you have to do.” He is an amazing support system. Due to the cards I was dealt as a child, I feel like I had to grow up quickly. I did not follow the traditional path of graduating high school and going straight to college. I had a job starting at the age of 15. I left my mom’s house at the age of 17. I was pregnant with my first child at age 20. Now, I am 29, and I am in a position to go back to school to be someone that I have always dreamt of being. Looking back, I realize there is no single timeline for earning a college degree. Everyone’s journey looks different, and mine just happened to start later than most. 

The challenges of balancing work, children, and school are very common among parents who return to college. In Mom Talk: Being a Mom and Going to School, Jo Morrison explains that it can be overwhelming, but it can provide better career opportunities and set a good example for your children. Morrison encourages parents to stay focused on their goals and reminds us that the sacrifices we make today can benefit our families in the future. “I am confident that I will look back in five years and smile, because this balancing act will all be worth it in the end, and I’ll have my degree hanging proudly in my living room.”

Pellissippi State was the best choice for me when it came down to picking a college to earn my degree at. I knew I needed to attend a community college, one that offered online classes, and I needed a school that I felt supported adult learners. Pellissippi State has very flexible course options because they offer in-person classes, hybrid classes, and online classes. Their tuition is more affordable than a four-year university. They provide students with so many academic support options, like tutoring, the “Chat with a Librarian” feature, advisors, and much more. Last but not least, I feel they have created a welcoming environment for adults returning to college. Many students are adults returning to college, so there is an understanding of the challenges we may face. 

Going back to school may not be the right choice for everyone, but I encourage anyone who wants to go back to school to do so. Whether someone has family responsibilities, financial concerns, or fears of returning to college, the rewards can be life-changing. With a little bit of determination and support, we can achieve our goals. Every single class is a step towards a better future, and we all should invest in ourselves.