Knowing your options is the key to earning a degree
July 14, 2011
Oprah is the guru of many things and her famous friends are usually no different. As the economy continues to dip and dive, the media mogul said she was getting a lot of viewer emails asking about the best ways to go to school after being laid off - and how to pay for it. To answer such concerns, Oprah enlisted the help of Al Seibert, co-author of The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success, who gave knowledgeable information regarding this real-life concern in a recent edition of O magazine.
As a mom, you may not think there are enough hours in the day, or enough of you to go around, to be able to attend school, make dinner, do the laundry and pick up your kids from their various after-school activities. It may be hard - but it can be done.
To make the transition from doting mom to doting mom and student, Seibert says, "Getting them [members of your family] lined up so that they are supportive of what you want to do is very, very important."
So instead of getting stressed out about the upcoming changes, talk with your family about your goals and how things will change as a way to get you all on the same page. Your family will most likely be happy for you and be willing to help out and cooperate so that you can focus on doing well in your courses.
If you're going it alone, as a single mother you're really going to have to ask your kids to help out more with the household responsibilities, such as doing the laundry and even giving you the necessary quiet time to study and prepare for class.
Seibert also said that this is really a family effort, as you're earning your degree as a way to make life better for everyone in your household.
If the cost of earning a degree has scared you away in the past, know that the initial price is merely a starting point. Through financial aid for mothers and college scholarships that may be awarded to you from the school you want to attend or outside resources, you'll be able to significantly lower your tuition cost.
