A Project Working Mom Success Story: Jeanne S.
If it had not been for online education, 36-year-old Jeanne, a single mother of two, may never have received her associate degree or enrolled in a bachelor degree program at Bellevue University. Now she dreams of becoming an attorney.
Jeanne's journey to become an undergraduate student has taken nearly two decades. She first enrolled in a community college right after high school in 1989. She became pregnant, but decided that she would continue to go to school.
However, after the birth of her child, she said her fiancé decided he wasn't ready for parenthood, and she became a single mother for the first time. Jeanne tried to balance studies and motherhood, but it soon became too much for her. "I couldn't be a mother and a student at the same time, plus work full time," said Jeanne. She left school.
But Jeanne's desire to continue her education never went away. She said that was something instilled in her by her father.
"My dad is one of the smartest people I know," said Jeanne. "He has a PhD and he's always been a scholar and a teacher. He gave me this love of learning."
After a few years she decided to enroll in Indiana University's distance learning program, which consisted of correspondence courses. Long commutes to take proctored exams and the lack of interaction with the instructors soon soured Jeanne on correspondence courses. She decided to go back to community college and take night courses.
Taking one course at a time and going to class at night was also a long and arduous process for Jeanne, and she felt as though she may never get her degree. By 2001, Jeanne was married…and pregnant for the second time. Her husband worked long hours and wasn't able to be home to help Jeanne after the baby was born. Jeanne had to leave school again.
But by 2006, something happened that would bring Jeanne back to community college, and ultimately, her associate degree. The school started offering online courses, and soon all of the courses Jeanne needed to finish her degree were available online. Just as she was nearing the end of her associate degree program, Jeanne faced another setback: she and her husband separated.
"It was a very stressful time," said Jeanne. She admits she thought about quitting, but adds "I'm so glad I didn't, even in all that turmoil."
Jeanne continued to work through a heavy course load, and her 15-year-old son helped her study for a math proficiency exam. Before she knew it, Jeanne was notified she eligible for graduation. She received her associate degree in June 2007…18 years after she had first enrolled in community college.
"I can't explain it, it was just so exciting," said Jeanne. "My son was very proud of me. He said "I can't believe you finally did it, mom!" She added "It was the best feeling in the world, even while everything was falling apart."
Armed with her newly-minted associate degree, Jeanne enrolled in Bellevue University, where she is studying for a bachelor degree in business. She said the online format of the courses suits her just fine.
"They use Blackboard and we do the discussion board. The courses are very intensive and there is a lot of interaction with other students. I like that."
Not only is Jeanne working toward a bachelor degree, but she said she is learning things at Bellevue University that will make her a valuable asset at her job as an office manager and a paralegal at a law firm. She is taking courses full time, and at an accelerated pace. Jeanne said she manages to balance the demands of work, school and single parent by not taking on too many things at once. Her employer allows her to study during downtime at work, and at home she studies after her kids go to bed.
"I make sure I dedicate time every day to checking my course, studying and doing homework," said Jeanne. "Sometimes that means staying up late or missing a favorite show, but it's all worth it."
Jeanne expects to graduate from Bellevue University with a bachelor degree in business in January 2009. After that, she has her sights set on going to law school…online.
"If I can't do it online I wouldn't want to do it any other way," she said. Jeanne lives in California, which is the home to a few distance learning law schools. Students who complete a distance learning law degree can sit for the Bar Exam in California. Asked if the law firm where she works would hire her on as an attorney, Jeanne laughed and added "my boss is counting on it!"
For other single mothers who might be struggling through their own quest for higher education, Jeanne said she would tell them "you're doing it for yourself…and your kids. It's absolutely worth it. You can prove to yourself and to your kids that you can do it."
Terrance Lee is a veteran news reporter with more than 20 years of experience in radio and television broadcasting. He currently works in marketing and public relations and is a distance learning student.
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