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Off to School Moms Go
Returning to the Classroom By Sue Marquette Poremba
Judy Niemi Johnson advises adults who would like to attend college. When she talks to them, she can go beyond the statistics; she can pull on her personal experience. Niemi Johnson recently completed a master's degree program while juggling her job and family.
"I had to learn how to prioritize events," says Niemi Johnson, who is a weekend college admissions counselor at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. "I took time every day to connect with my family, but I also had to make sure I scheduled in study time."
The decision to attend school is one of the most selfish decisions a mom can make. It means taking time away from the family to attend classes and to study. The children and the spouse will be asked to pick up more chores and become more independent. It may also require family members to cut down on some of their own activities.
However, furthering her education, whether it is for job advancement or for personal enhancement, is also one of the most positive things a mom can do for herself.
There is no perfect time to return to school, although there are some situations, such as a divorce, a spouse's job loss or job demands, which provide an extra push. It is a matter of deciding what type of schooling works best for you, ensuring the cooperation of your family and then diving in.
Attending school doesn't automatically mean going to a traditional college or sitting in classes with 18-year-olds. School can be continuing education classes to learn computer skills, learning massage therapy or hair styling or training for a certain trade.
Once you decide what path you want to take, Niemi Johnson suggests researching different schools and programs, if possible, and talking to counselors. Many schools recognize the growing number of non-traditional students (schools usually consider anyone over age 24 as a non-traditional student) and provide special counseling offices and classes.
