We’re impressed when we hear about single parents in Phoenix returning to school on top of everything else, they have going on! Getting an education isn’t just important for you, it’s crucial for your kids, too. We often hear from single parents in school who are:
- Working full-time and going to school during the day or at night
- Completing intensive internships on top of their jobs
- Returning to school as ‘older’ students to earn or finish their program.
Congratulations to all of you! We know how frantic everyday life can get; working and parenting can be overwhelming. We also know that returning to school is one of the best ways to gain new skills and move ahead. If you’re a single parent in school or consider returning to school, here are our tips for success:
Write Down Your Goals
Make your goals specific. For example, “I will have taken all my required courses by the fall “or “I will take an accelerated program with internship before the end of the year.” “I will attend every optional study session offered, even if it is scheduled on Friday afternoon.” Make a contract with yourself and sign your name. Promise yourself to move ahead with a well thought out plan.
Get Organized
Do not think you can plop your school stuff down on the kitchen table every night. Find a shelf, box, or file cabinet in which to keep your school materials. The kitchen table can certainly turn into your ‘school desk’ at night, but you need a defined, organized place to keep everything, otherwise, valuable study time is wasted on looking for misplaced things, or items the children somehow managed to ‘borrow.’
Don’t Procrastinate
Single moms or dads in school in Arizona do not have the option to procrastinate. What winds up happening is that you’ll put off an important school paper but then something will come up with a child that will take time away from you from getting that paper done on time. The best way to manage the inevitable stresses of juggling multiple responsibilities as a single parent in school is to prioritize and NOT procrastinate. When your assignments are completed, you can enjoy guilt-free time away from the pressures of school.
Learn to Say ‘No’
When returning to school, you must learn to say no to demands that do not help you to either progress in your studies or personally benefit you or your children. Lots of us have trouble saying no. If this is difficult for you, keep a tangible reminder, like a picture of a vacation spot you’d like to visit, to remind yourself that once you complete your program you will have the opportunity for a better life with increased income, and career advancement.
Now, we’d love to know:
If you want to start a career as a Medical Assistant or learn about a career in health care, Contact the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus today! The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering our accelerated blended program of online and hands-on campus learning in a clinical setting. We are enrolling now for our classes starting soon. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.
-ALLEN SCHOOL