On Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms for their countless contributions — one of the most important of which is the priceless role they play with respect to education.
As Learners Themselves
Today, millions of moms aren’t just helping with homework—they’re doing their own. In fact, about one in seven women in college is also raising a child at the same time.
For these moms, going back to school — or starting for the first time — isn’t just about earning a degree or some other credential. It’s about creating a brighter future for their families. It means long days and even longer nights. Classes squeezed in between other responsibilities. Studying at the crack of dawn, after everyone else is asleep, or in any possible quiet moment they can carve out during the day.
In doing so, moms model something powerful. They demonstrate how to invest in yourself, set a goal, and take small, consistent steps toward it no matter your age.
As Student Loan Borrowers
Even for moms who aren’t currently in school themselves, education in the rearview mirror can still be top of mind. Many are managing student loan debt of their own — as women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding post-secondary educational debt. Moms may be diligently chipping away at what they owe while also attempting to save for their children’s educational futures at the very same time.
As Coordinators-in-Chief
And moms are often the ones handling the lion share of school-related oversight and hands-on responsibilities – such as keeping track of assignments and extracurriculars, volunteering at school events, staying in touch with teachers, helping prepare for exams and school presentations and projects, and so much more. They’re also offering encouragement every step of the way.
And moms are the ones often thinking about what comes next from an academic perspective. When summer approaches, it is moms who are often on point to figure out how to keep their children engaged and learning over the summer break. And soon after, they’re the ones preparing as well for the coming school year.
As College Savers & Planners
And when the time comes, they’re often the ones leading the charge on college planning — coordinating campus visits, keeping track of deadlines, reviewing applications, reading essays and helping in all possible ways to manage what can be a very emotional time.
And in the years leading up to this juncture, many moms have likely taken the initiative to learn about ways to prepare for the financial side of education after high school — by exploring 529 saving and prepaid plans, scholarships, and other funding options.
Worthy of our Gratitude
So, this Mother’s Day, be sure to thank the moms you know for the examples they set through their own lifelong learning, the ongoing commitment they show to education, and the foundation they lay for the futures of the children they love.
On a personal note, being a mom has been my favorite role of all, and the educational aspects have been particularly rewarding. My mom set such a wonderful example for me to follow. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement she offered my siblings and me.
About the author:
Patricia Roberts is the Chief Operating Officer of Gift of College Inc. She has been part of the 529 higher education savings arena for more than 25 years, serving as an attorney, product manager, and is the past chair of the CSPN Corporate Affiliate Committee.