On WAITERS NuTation the cost would have exceeded $13,000.

On WAITERS NuTation the cost would have exceeded $13,000. The administration didn’t seem to understand that anyone capable of handling parenthood and college is a stu- dent well worth that investment of time and energy. Information for student parents on available resources, such as nearby day care centers or housing, is a great help. A designated liaison’ in student affairs can also be very useful. And, of course, financial aid is always wal- come. Gonzaga University, where I completed my undergraduate work, gave a small discount on tuition if both parents attended. We took advantage of a range of offerings, including discounts at the local Y and reduced-price health benefits for our sons, to make life a little easier. The personal support I received from other students and professors, too, made finishing my degree not only possible but all the sweeter. A friend offered to help one day when my son and I both came down with stomach flu. While we were quarantined’ in the one bedroom in our apartment, she cleaned up and cooked us dinner. I was shocked that a single girl would give up her evening to help me out on a school night when I knew she had other things to do. Needless to any, she became a close friend and a constant source of support, While a good friend can get you over the buraps, a great scholarship 11 can let you soar. I was part of the first classof Gates Millennium Scholars, an honor that inspired me to earn a graduate degree and relieved me of most of my financial burdens I knew this type of outside assistance is rare, but I hope to see more institutions support student parents. It takes more than motivation to complete a degree wid a family in tow pur- I feel a tremendous scuse of awimplishment, and I have learned so 12 many lessons about myself I want to be p other young parents achieve their educational goals, and I see a bright future for my boys (I have two now]. And I keep telling my riom rent she doesn’t have to live vicariously through me she can return to college anytime the wank. SUMMARIZE AND RESPOND In your mading journal or elsewhere, to mrnarizn the main point of "When Stu- dents Are Parents." Then. go back and check off the support for this idea. Next write a brief summary of the essay. Finally; write a brief response to the reading What do you think was the most eighll cant resours or factor in Rizer’s BUCLess a parent-student?