How to Succeed in College While Raising a Family

Studying with fellow classmates
increases understanding.

That’s the catch, isn’t it?  Attending college while your children are growing up.  College study, and all it entails, is not easy—even without children.  But once you add family obligations into the mix, it can become downright difficult.  The answer?  Discover methods to study on the go, include the children into class projects when you can, and use your resources on campus.

Course work requires time.  Try toting books to work to read assignments at lunch or to the children’s games to read sections between active play.  Tape study notes and listen to them while performing household chores or watching soccer matches and swim meets.  Use earphones whenever you leave the house.  

Some college students and mothers get up an hour earlier to work on projects or clock out at work and remain there to do class work in an empty conference room or office away from the distractions of home.  And sometimes, you simply need to accomplish class work on the weekends.  

  

Understanding course material is crucial.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions during class or afterwards.  I, for one, peppered my professors with questions to obtain a better understanding of the material.  Networking with fellow classmates can aid in understanding too.  Form study groups; get together when you can to work on projects together. 

Most colleges offer free tutors for numerous courses.  Check the hours for the Tutoring Center on campus.  Many universities have writing centers where students can obtain critiques of their academic papers. 

Starting college or completing a degree for a non-traditional student, usually a student over 30, is a challenge.  But it can be accomplished.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is what my memoir is about.