Highline students Sophia Munoz and Brittany Tamayo have dealt with the responsibilities of taking care of their children and maintaining their schoolwork as single mothers.

There are several challenges that can make it difficult for them to balance their responsibilities as a parent on top of the demand of coursework. 

The biggest challenge is finding time and energy to study while parenting a small kid. Single mothers often have to juggle childcare, work, and household duties, which leaves little time for studying or attending classes. This can make it hard for them to stay motivated and focused, which can in return affect their grades and overall performance. 

Highline student Munoz said she not only needs to complete her assignments on time, but sometimes it becomes really difficult for her to do so as her child needs her full attention and care.

Financial constraints are another major issue that many single mothers face. Munoz said she struggles to afford tuition fees or other education related expenses, which can limit her ability to pursue higher education or other career advancement opportunities.

“Sometimes it is so difficult to arrange money for the studies of both of us, however, my family is so supportive and they help me a lot either financially or emotionally,” she said. “I am the only woman, I can’t say to my partner that it’s your turn, it’s always me and only me.” 

The emotional strain of attempting to do it all alone presents another difficulty for single mothers who are also students. Having to balance the responsibilities of studying and schoolwork on top of the stress and pressure of parenting kids alone is understandably exhausting. 

Another Highline student, Brittany Tamayo, is also a single mother trying to find balance in being a mother to three daughters and staying on top of her school work as a pre-nursing major. 

On top of all of that, Tamayo also said one of her daughters, Isabella, suffers from a disorder known as Mowat Wilson Syndrome. 

Although challenges like these among Tamayo’s family have added to the obstacles throughout her life, she has found beauty and strength through it all. 

“I came to know about her disease after two months of her birth,” she said. “Now, it’s been such a long and difficult journey for me and for my three daughters, but we are together and it’s the only ray of hope for me to live with.”

Being a single mom is hard, but there are many moms, such as Sophia Munoz and Brittany Tamayo on campus who are accomplishing their goals by preserving and staying strong.