Parenting Student Support Services

In 2017, while 7 months pregnant, Hernandez made the decision to prioritize her education for herself and her children. Seven years later, she has completed her GED, become a mother of three and will earn her associate degree in Nursing this spring.

When Mailia graduated high school and started her family, her priority became being a mother, but ten years later she developed new career aspirations.

“In comparison to four-year universities, Moraine Park was more affordable,” Bachleitner said. “I was also able to complete my desired program online. As a mother and full-time employee, these advantages, as well as the support from those closest to me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams.”

Continue reading...

After being accepted into the program, Riley’s world began to shift very quickly. He quit his full-time job, and with a girlfriend and three children to support, he had to make major adjustments.

“It was a scary decision to quit my job and go back to school, but what was even scarier was the thought of spending the rest of my life working a job I did not like and not providing for my family,” Riley said.

Continue reading...

When Crystal became a wife and mother, it was a challenge to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking some time to self-reflect, she left her job at the factory to stay home with her children.

She enrolled in Moraine Park’s Early Childhood Education program in summer 2022 and will graduate with her associate degree in spring 2024. In the future, she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Continue reading...

Outside of school, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family. She has a fiancé and two teenage sons. The boys both fully support their mom going back to school and love to help her study with flashcards and quizzes.

“My kids are getting older,” she said, “I want to be able to show them they can be anything they want to be and that it’s never too late.”

Continue reading...