Being a mom is one of the most challenging, rewarding vocations a person can have. In fact, Psalm 127:3 says, Psalm 127:3: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward." Many women across campus, including students, are raising children and leading by example by pursuing higher education and bettering themselves. Some of these students shared how having children has pushed them to succeed.
Ijeoma "I.J." Popoola, M.A. In Administration of Special Education
“I do this for my daughters because there is a Proverbs 31 woman inside of them who will help change their world to advance careers in Education, STEM, Business, Arts and Entertainment, Government, and Non-Governmental Organizations. I want them to know that women can do all things through Christ, who strengthens them. I want to be a role model, and example that nothing worth having comes easy, but with hard work and dedication, their efforts will ALWAYS pay off.”
Related Article: How One Mother Balanced School and Family
Adrianna Clark, B.S. Business Administration
“As a mother, making the decision to further my career by completing my degree was one of the hardest decisions ever to make. Completing college has always been a goal that I wanted to achieve in life, and being a mother helped me accomplish that goal. Going back to school challenged me to be a stronger student and a better parent. She is the reason I succeed and achieved my degree. Everything I do, I do for HER!”
Jumanah Alkhanizi
Ja'nea Williams
Related Article: 4 Steps to Avoid Overwhelm as a Student Parent
Amanda Bailey, M.S. Counseling Psychology
“My kids are a big motivator in pursuing my master's. During my undergrad, I became pregnant with my son and suffered from depression while going through a very difficult time in my life. I began to fail out of school and had no motivation for anything. As soon as he was born, I knew I had someone else who needed me to do this. It took some extra time, but I finally finished undergrad after six years of college, and then five days after my graduation, I had my daughter.
I pursued my master's to chase my dreams and show my children that you can be a parent and go after what you want at the same time. I wanted to show them they can overcome adversity and be anything they want. SNU (and the support of my amazing husband) has allowed me to do both of those things simultaneously...be an awesome mom and achieve my goals.”
Casidea Holliday
Having Harper has pushed me to succeed as a student for many reasons, but the two biggest reasons were that even through the dark and scary season of life that we went through, good can come from it, and Jesus always has a plan. The second reason is Harper is a miracle. She has overcome, endured, and pushed through more in her little time here on earth than most people do in their entire lives. She showed me and gave me the courage that I could do the same in my life and that I didn’t need to be fearful of changing careers and going back to school to become what I am called to be. She continues to show me endurance and perseverance daily.”
Whether you are a current student or alumni, parent or grandparent, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do to serve your children and to grow the kingdom of God!
