Women return to school for many reasons. Some want to complete a course of study that was interrupted by life and family. Others want to learn new skills, or enhance their resume in today’s very competitive corporate environment. Then there are wives and mother’s who want to get a degree solely for personal satisfaction. No matter the reason, it’s more than just an academic decision – emotions will also play an important role.
So how hard is it to go back to school? There are several emotional elements that come into play, such as maintaining the family infrastructure, adjusting to a changing educational landscape, fitting in with students of varying ages, and the guilt associated with not being present for family members. Being aware of these issues from the onset, establishing a support system, and a firm resolve to an ultimate educational goal will help offset these emotional roadblocks.
The potential negative impact on life balance can be great if mom is the central support figure in the home, and her time is now divided between her educational pursuits and the family. For women with babies and toddlers, there are issues like breastfeeding and daycare. Establishing connections with other moms in similar situations can lead to suggestions for resolution as well as emotional support. At most schools, moms will most likely find a network of women in similar situations due to the diverse student body of a college or university.
Yet another emotional element is the changing landscape of education. Course structures and teaching methods have changed since mom was a student, which can diminish confidence and add to anxiety. Small classes and individual attention from professors and counselors can ease this transition.
To psychologically prepare for the classroom, moms must be in tune with their educational goals. Career services courses and counselors can help women focus on their ultimate goal in order to reinforce their dedication.
For moms who feel that they won’t have the time to be physically present in a classroom, you should consider a school that offers flexible online courses for undergraduate study. This can resolve many emotional and practical issues, including lessening the guilt associated with being physically absent from family, and eliminating the need for daycare and travel expense.
When adults return to school, they are learning with younger students. While collaborating with fresh young minds can inspire interest in studies, it can also evoke feelings of insecurity. Moms who have been out of the education world for some time will need to give themselves time to acclimate to the classroom.
There are many emotional barriers that moms have to address when returning to school, but educational institutions are responding to these issues with counseling, networking opportunities, online options, and efforts to diversify their student base. Undergraduate degrees are now being structured in a way so as to have a wholesome effect on all students, including those of varying ages and commitments. There is more to college life than textbooks and lecture notes. Good luck! |
