Jordan Jacupke
Ross Fuglsang
8 October 2012
Comm 208
For most college kids, being a full-time student is borderline overwhelming. When you throw in being a single parent, and working 30 hours per week on top of it, overwhelming is given an entirely new meaning.
While most college kids are faced with the major decision of whether or not to go to class when they wake up, or which party to attend after the football game, some students have diaper duty and bath time to look forward to.
“ I would rather stay at home and give Bubba a bath, than party on the weekends.” Said Jessica Ackerman, a full-time student at WITCC, of her 18-month old son Hunter. “Being a mother changed my priorities instantly. I not only have my future to worry about now, but I also have my son’s.”
The future is something students would rather not think about, but for some, that “future” that seemed so far away, has shot right into their present. Such was the case for Kristine Johnson, a junior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
“ I didn’t think I would have to grow up this fast.” she said, referring to having her daughter, Ezra, in December of 2010. “Being pregnant on my first day of college wasn’t what I expected when I was younger. I always thought I would have a career and be married before that happened, but obviously unexpected things happen.”
Many parents that are students also work, which adds to the stress and necessity for time management. Jessica works at Best Buy nearly 30 hours per week, and Kristine the same at Whole Foods. This sacrifices time that could be spent with their children, but as the saying goes, “the bills aren’t going to pay themselves.”
This is an issue that college students without children will one day have to face, but do not yet realize.
“There are many instances where I’d rather stay home with my son, but I know my financial situation won’t allow that.” Said Jessica, in regards to the necessity of work.
“It’s all part of growing up, though.”
Growing up isn’t easy, as all students will find out. But, growing up is eminent. At some point, all students will either graduate or drop out. Either way, the real world is awaiting them. In the case of these mothers, however, the real world has shown up early. Kristine knew the feeling of growing up before she had even graduated high school.
“I’ve grown up more in the last 2 years than I could have ever imagined. Being pregnant at high school graduation made growing up a very realistic thing, to me.”
Jessica agreed saying, “I’ve grown more in the last 18-months as a person, mother, and student, than I could have expected. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Perhaps, growing up earlier than originally intended will be advantageous for these young mothers. Instead of partying, maybe being studious, being forced to manage time wisely, and growing up, in general, will allow these young women to see the real world for what it is: a struggle to manage time, pay bills, and at the end of the day spend time with those you love.