Traditional, online, and hybrid classes along with strong support services make York Tech an ideal choice for single parents.
A difficult, but not impossible, path
Many single parents choose York Tech because it allows them to balance a full-time job and still pursue an education. Jessica Wherrey attends York Tech and has two children at home. “York Tech’s great value and flexibility made it possible for me to get a great education,” she says.
The challenges
The multiple challenges of a single parent are a true juggling act, one that requires planning and patience. Nathania Montes, a counselor at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois believes the first step for single parents planning to return to school is writing down their educational and occupational goals.
“Be realistic about what you can reasonably handle. Realize that it will – and should, in light of your extra responsibilities – take longer to get your degree.” Financial, childcare and time management challenges are the biggest obstacles, and should be addressed in your plan.
The salvation is financial aid
Don’t let a personal lack of money keep you away from furthering your education. Find out about financial aid options at York Technical College. Scan the Web for additional scholarship opportunities.
Home sharing, networking
Patrice Karst, author of The Single Mother’s Survival Guide, is adamant that the most important thing single parents can do is accepting that they can’t do it alone. She encourages single mothers to cut expenses by sharing housing and trading childcare. Co-abode.com, a single mothers’ Web site offers matchmaking for those looking for home sharing opportunities.
Karst also suggests that single parents find or create support networks for childcare, clothing exchanges, text books trades, bargain sharing and more through their campus or online communities. “Ask, ask, ask for help,” she advises. “It’s the only way you’ll get it.”
Free is fabulous and other finds
Join your local freecycle.org and use it to receive and recycle clothing, furniture, appliances and more at no cost. Craigslist online postings, community reuse centers and thrift stores are great places to find gently used clothing and appliances at no- or low-cost. Storytimes and movies at your local library and checkouts of books, DVDs and CDs offer no out-of-pocket cost entertainment.
Single parent discounts
Put pride aside and ask for single parent discounts for childcare, at movies and restaurants and elsewhere. If you’re told no, ask for a supervisor and ask again.
Reduce kid care costs
Some lucky students have supportive family members to aid in childcare or daycare pickups and drops, while others may have onsite daycare at their college or workplace. High childcare costs needn’t circumvent your plans to continue your education. While Karst’s aforementioned home and childcare sharing is one option, the YMCA, churches and elsewhere may offer a sliding scale. Do your homework to find the best, most affordable care for your kids – and don’t forget to ask about those discounts.
Keep time in line
The ability to plan and organize is perhaps the most valuable asset a single parent can have. Keep you and your children your first priority and let school and work follow. A prominently displayed calendar will keep your family on track. Write a list each morning and reference it to keep details from distracting you.
Just as you wouldn’t run your car without gas or oil, don’t neglect to feed and exercise your body to keep up with the heavy traffic of your life. Build study times into your schedule. Give your children family time they can depend on. Make every Friday popcorn and movie night at home. And don’t forget to take time for yourself to keep your batteries charged.
A brisk walk or a nap, or bending the ear of another single parent who knows what it’s like to remove bubblegum from a toddler’s hair will help keep your spirits up. A sense of humor, remembering that today’s small tragedy is tomorrow’s big comedy helps keep things in perspective.
Mladjan says, “Positive self-talk, taking lots of deep breaths and remembering everything eventually works out have helped me most.” Karst compassionately notes, “Single parenting and school are really hard to do, but keep the faith and you’ll make it.”