Being a Parent at Bay Path University

Being a parent and a student is a challenging feat. In 2023, the American Association of Colleges and Universities reported that one quarter of today’s undergraduate students are parents, and that 72% of undergrads who are caregivers feel overwhelmed.¹

Programs that offer flexibility and support can be the best degrees for moms going back to school who are seeking a balance between furthering their education and managing the complexities of raising a child. At The American Women’s College of Bay Path University (TAWC), we understand the challenges mothers face in pursuing their education and work to support our students every step of the way.

Online Learning at Bay Path

For Tiffany Candelaria, a Bay Path student, mom, peer mentor, business assistant, sales manager, and dog groomer, returning to school as a single mom hasn’t been easy.

“Being the sole provider for two children made me feel like I was conflicted with what my life would equal out to be, trying to divide myself with work and continuing my education,” Candelaria explained. “There were moments I wasn’t even able to leave my home because of having to care for my children.”

Because of these challenges, online learning became vital to Candelaria. When it came to support and flexibility, she felt Bay Path’s online program was just what she was looking for. Through its online women’s college, Bay Path allowed her to care for her children while pursuing the degree to build the future she wants.

“Online learning became essential to me. I was able to be in one place but still have many resources available to me, even while handling my responsibilities. Especially through the pandemic, I was able to keep my family safe and still move forward in my future,” she said.

At TAWC, Candelaria has the support of a dedicated faculty and access to award-winning technology and digital resources, allowing her to learn while being present for her other responsibilities. All TAWC programs provide balance, flexibility, and support, allowing students to further their education without sacrificing what matters to them.

Finding a Balance

The online programs at TAWC permit parents to learn when and where it’s best for them. There’s no scheduled time or commute to worry about, meaning students can study from anywhere while balancing personal and professional obligations.

“Learning online fits into my entire family’s schedule because it’s extremely accessible,” Candelaria said. “From using my cell phone to access Canvas Student to being able to take my laptop anywhere I go, I do not have to worry about stopping what I am doing to go somewhere, nor do I have to feel that I am neglecting my family and responsibilities.”

Of course, it’s not just parents who benefit. Children get to spend more time with their caregivers, even as they’re completing coursework. Candelaria said her children were confused and worried when she told them she was returning to school, but once she explained that she could do her classes at home, they felt much better.

“It has become something that brings us closer. Now we all are doing our homework or talking about projects together,” she said.

Benefiting from Flexibility

No two days are the same in the life of a parent, so flexibility is crucial when choosing an online program. The asynchronous courses at TAWC are completely online and can be accessed at any time. Because her children participate in several activities, Candelaria initially had a hard time picturing how learning would fit into her life.

“It was nerve-wracking planning how I would split time between different events and taking classes,” Candelaria said.

Online classes offered the flexibility she needed. “I am able to make my own schedule, show up for my children, and continue being the reliable mother they have always known me to be,” she said.

Gaining Support

Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. TAWC welcomes women from every stage of life and career, creating a supportive and diverse community, advancing their education and juggling their busy schedules.

Support is built into every program at TAWC. Bay Path’s Social Online Universal Learning model (SOUL) connects students with an academic advisor and success coach to help them prepare to go back to school and then position them to thrive throughout the program. SOUL’s analytics detect if a learner starts to struggle and then alert the team at TAWC to intervene and assist in preventing a student from falling behind.

In addition, Bay Path’s exclusive We Empower Learners and Leaders (WELL) program delivers life-changing skills that empower women to lead with confidence and experience.

“I would advise any single mom considering earning her degree online not to be intimidated or discouraged. We literally have our education in the palm of our hands with our electronic devices, and that allows us to learn throughout our busy days,” Candelaria said. “I would also tell her she is not alone, and the finish line is what will make everything worth it. It is never too late to be the best version of yourself that you can be.”

Start Your Degree at Bay Path University

At TAWC, you’ll never be alone. We combine proven programs and award-winning technologies with unparalleled support teams to give you what you need to stay on the road to success.

Explore our online programs and get started today. We offer multiple start dates per year. Complete your program with the confidence to advance your career, and the education and control you need to manage your future.

Source

1. De Socio, Mike. “Caregivers on Campus.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities. Published 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/articles/caregivers-on-campus.