Mom juggles books and baby bottles

Richard Decker
Staff Writer

Earning a degree may be difficult enough for anyone, but many students at Hudson Valley face extra challenges—pursuing their studies while also living with the responsibilities of parenthood.

In 2017, Mila Roe enrolled at Hudson Valley, after earning her certificate from Branford Hall to be a medical assistant working alongside the staff of Planned Parenthood, all while taking care of her two children.

Roe, a freshman individual studies major looking to join the art program next year, is one of the 4.8 million college students who are parents of dependent children.

“I’m also a wife, so it’s not just my kids; I have pretty much three, but technically two,” she said.

Despite having a loving family and support system, Roe said living in the two worlds of parenting and student life is still a struggle. “I’m a mess, honestly, but I’m a good mess,” said Roe. “I’m organized but then I get lost in the mess of it all, and suddenly, I’m not organized anymore.”

The disorganization disproportionately falls on her academics, Roe said, as her top priority is her children. “It’s a tug-o-war,” she said, describing the balance between organizing her kids’ life versus her own organization.

“At home in the kitchen, I have a big board that has what we are eating throughout the week, who’s going to clean what, and everything,” she said. “I don’t have a schedule for my homework, but I should, it’s the kids first, my husband, school, me, and lastly, my art,” she said.

One issue student parents often face is affording daycare. Luckily, Roe said she has a strong support system who is always willing to help ensure she does not miss important lectures or exams. “It’s always tight financially but my family are my biggest supporters,” she said.

While her oldest child attends school and her youngest child attends a set daycare, Roe said problems arise when the schools close. Her husband sometimes must miss out on his business and care for the children to ensure Roe’s academics do not suffer.

Fortunately for Hudson Valley students who may not have the same circumstances, the College offers The Viking Child Care Center. Tuition for children of parents attending Hudson Valley Community College is determined by a sliding scale fee based on family gross income. There also are several scholarships to assist with tuition costs for those meeting certain criteria.

While student parents face many struggles others don’t, Roe said the experience can still be exciting. “I’m just trying to chase dreams, that’s it. I am getting thrown around in the process, but it’s cool.”