My academic journey while balancing motherhood has not been easy. In June, returned to college hoping to finally earn my degree. Reflecting on my younger years, I realize that I didn’t take my education as seriously. This lead to unfinished courses and outstanding balances with schools, which prevented me from obtaining my transcripts. So, when I committed to going back to school, I knew I’d have to start over. None of my other coursework would count toward my new degree.
On July 3rd, 2024, I started my first semester at American InterContinental University. I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security. My ultimate goal is to work in cybersecurity as a penetration tester. This role will allow me to make a meaningful impact by helping companies and individuals protect their digital assets.
Academic Journey Thus Far
So far, my return to academia has been rewarding. I completed my first class with a perfect 100% overall, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I’m enrolled in two more classes, and I’m proud to say that I’m continuing to uphold that 100% average. While I wouldn’t label myself as an overachiever, I am sort of a perfectionist. Whenever there’s an opportunity to improve my grades, I take it—after all, why not strive for excellence?
In both my first course and the two I’m taking now, I worked ahead and completed all the assignments within the first week. This includes drafting my discussion board posts ahead of schedule. Now, my weekly tasks are simply to post my first discussion contributions on Wednesdays. Then I need to engage with at least two of my classmates’ posts. This approach has freed up time for me to enjoy other pursuits like learning new things, writing, gaming, spending time with my family, and even squeezing in the occasional date night.
Conclusion: Academic Journey While Balancing Motherhood
Balancing full-time studies with being a full-time mom hasn’t been easy, especially with children at different stages. I have a three-year-old and a thirteen-year-old (plus others who don’t live with me). The older one is returning to school on August 21st. The younger one, who isn’t in school yet, is a whirlwind of energy. She consistently gets into everything. Finding time to study can be a real challenge, but I’m determined to persevere. Despite the hurdles, I’m committed to making this journey a success.