so i went
to college { paid advertorial }
F
or Gwendolyn Ochoa, 28, being a single, working mom is
closed and you won’t ever learn anything,” Gwendolyn said. “With
nothing new.
a degree they can go anywhere and do everything they want.”
“I have seen the struggles of a single mother and income
firsthand,” said Gwendolyn, one of four daughters to a single
ideally like to see herself.
At 28, Gwendolyn admits she is behind in where she would
mother.
“Where I am now most people my age were 4 or 5 years ago,”
Raising two sons, Noah, 10, and Elijah, 8, and working many
Gwendolyn said. “So I feel as if my life has been on hold, and now I
unfulfilling jobs, Gwendolyn knew pursuing her education was
can finally get to living it.”
crucial.
But it’s not easy. Gwendolyn knows firsthand that being a single
“I do not discount experience at all,” Gwendolyn said. “But with a bachelor’s degree in the mix, I have many more opportunities and choices in careers and chances for advancement.” Currently, Gwendolyn is working toward a bachelor’s degree focused on communication. She hopes to work for a media company in public
mom and getting her degree is difficult.
“I wanted my kids to know how important education is and where all it can take you.”
relations in the future.
“The hard part is you are tired from the
day, go to class at night, come home late and need to eat, do laundry, pick up, see the kiddos and then once the bum hits the couch, the last thing anyone wants to do is more work,” Gwendolyn said. “It is tough to stay motivated. But when you know what this will get you and
Ready to “stand on her own two feet,” Gwendolyn believes her
where, and know you are doing this so you can be at home every
degree to be invaluable. But more than that, she is proud to show
night with the most important people in your life, then it is all
her boys the importance of education.
worth it.”
“I wanted them to know how important education is and where
Gwendolyn’s advice for other parents?
all it can take you--all the experiences in which it will provide,”
“You can do it,” Gwendolyn said. “Be patient and realize you
Gwendolyn said. “I wanted them to understand it is not ever too
will get it done. You will freak out, you will get frustrated, but you
late to finish anything.”
will get it finished.”
This mom also stresses the importance of learning and keeping
She justifies that the two to four years it will take someone to
an open mind to her sons.
complete a degree will be long period of time no matter what.
“When you think you know everything, the mind becomes
“So I went to college,” Gwendolyn said.
OP
Western Kentucky University in Owensboro has been educating students for over 40 years.
Learn more online: www.wku.edu/owensboro www.OwensboroParent.com
November 2011 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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