Steps to Success
Parental/ Student Advice: Parent-to-Parent
Interviews by Jechibea Adu-Peasah
Several of Plaza College’s finest Extended Day spoke to Seasons about how they balance school and being parents. Here are their responses.
“What are your short/long term goals for going to college?”
“To graduate with honors (short-term), to work in a prominent hospital in the Billing Department. I would also like to go for my Bachelor’s degree.” -Lisa Merced
“[My] short term goal is to complete the program and [the] long term goal is to become a genius in my profession.” - Mr. O. Johnson
“[My goal is to] finish school and buy a big house for all of my boys!”- Marina Marte
“One of my short term goals is to pass my classes this semester, and my long- term goals are to become a Medical Assistant, get a good job and buy a house.”- Danilsa Encarnacion.
“[I have several goals: I would like to:] continue with my education, earn my GED, graduate, set a good example for my kids and be able to find a job working for a hospital or for an insurance carrier doing medical billing.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
O. Johnson (3rd from l.) and Marina Marte (4th from the l.)
“What are some of the sacrifices you have made to attend/return to school?”
“Good things are not obtainable without sacrifice, and a career is no exception to the rule.” -Angela Morales
“Some sacrifices have to be made, of course. Less time with my family and looking the other way when the house gets a little unorganized.” –Lisa Merced.
“Financially, I had to take a cut in my salary. “[In addition] less, sleep, [and] missed family functions...”- Clarice Jackson.
“Minimal[ized] social activities, commitment of time, money and energy, in order to survive”- Mr. O. Johnson.
“Time: I also had to sacrifice my free time and the time I had to spend with my children now because of home work and studying. Financial: I had to quit my day job to work the school schedule in.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
“What is your source of motivation?
“I just think about my kids and my husband. They give me the strength that I need to keep on going.” – B.C.
“My motivation is my son. Waking up in the morning and seeing a smile on his face.”
-Karen B. Coppin
“My motivation is to get a good education so that I can give my child a good education. He will learn what my husband and I will teach him.” – Danilsa Encarnacion
“My family is my motivation. I have four boys. I have to set a good example for them. If they don’t see me studying, why should they study?” –Marina Marte
“I believe that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. I get going when things are tough because winners don’t quit, but quitters don’t win.”- Mr. O. Johnson.
“When it gets tough, I just think about how close I’m getting to graduation and where I used to be.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
“When is the best time for you to study?”
“When my kids go to sleep.”- Eileen Taberas.
“Whenever I have the opportunity.”- Lisa Merced.
“When my children are at school and on the weekends.” –Marina Marte.
“When I get some spare time.”-Karen B. Coppin.
“Mostly at night. I read on the bus, train, and even while walking. Flash cards are my favorite. I can use them all over in the train, in the kitchen while cooking and in my bed.”- Danilsa Encarnacion.
“I study and read on my days off from school and on weekends.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
“What role does your spouse play in your education?”
“My spouse helps me study for tests. Also, when[ever] I can’t prepare a meal, he will buy take-out. He is always there for moral support. I love him deeply.”- Clarice Johnson.
“Moral support. He is always excited for me when I do good on an exam. He listens to me read out my essays…and financially. He is the best.” –Marina Marte.
“My Spouse plays little or no role towards my education. It is not a part of my culture for her to play any role. Though, she encourages me to forge ahead when I feel terrible.”- Mr. O. Johnson.
“None”-Karen B. Coppin.
“My husband is my everything. He helps me with my son, financially, to cook and clean and to study. He reminds me to do all of my homework.” –Danilsa Encarnacion.
“My wife is a big support in many ways: She cleans, cooks, and [takes care of anything that is necessary. In addition,] she would have the children busy doing things so I can concentrate on my homework.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
Advice to others:
What time saving tips can you share with other Student Parents?
“Make a schedule. Prioritize your timely duties. When the kids take their naps, take advantage of that time to do the things you need to do.”- Eileen Taberas.
“Do homework together with the kids.”-Marina Marte.
“Well, as far as I know, the best way to study is using flash cards. It’s been effective because it helps me memorize the words and their meanings.” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
“When my husband plays softball, my kids bring their bikes. I bring the dog, a chair, and my books. I do my work while enjoying the day together.” –Lisa Merced.
“Reserve a minimum of one hour per day to study, even while commuting on trains and autobus. Prepare meals ahead of time. 2 or 3 days a head of time.” –Angela Morales
“They must be disciplined. When you discipline yourself, you reach your goals. For example, the night before the next day, I have breakfast ready and the clothes ready to go to work.”- Danilsa Encarnacion.
“Study instead of watching your favorite show or playing games use that time and study you will see the end result.– (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
Seasons writer Jechibea Adu-Peasah (first from the r.) and Lisa Merced (2nd from the r.)
“What situations should they avoid in school?”
“Avoid putting things off. When you have an assignment, get it over with.”- Lisa Merced.
“Bad Company. One person you let in your life can ruin everything you and your family worked so hard for.” –Marina Marte.
“They have to sacrifice the time they spend going to parties, cinemas, shopping and beauty parlors because you can spend many hours there. Those are my sacrifices. I cut them down to about half. If I get invited to two parties in one month, I choose to go to one.” –Danilsa Encarnacion.
“Less partying and study harder. Cut back on the social activities.” -Karen B. Coppin.
“Do not mix social activities with education.”- Mr. O. Johnson.
Final Thoughts
“They must decide at least a year before they start the college education. They must be emotionally and psychologically ready for the program. Relegate all other social engagements to the background and focus on what you want to do.”- Mr. O. Johnson
Mr. O. Johnson is a 4th semester evening student in the Medical Assisting program.
He is the proud father of 2 children. He is strong in spirit and in character.
“Watch out for friends who want to hang out and go partying all the time, because they are the ones want to see you stay were you where not move forward. Time is precious, and you need to use it for whatever is your priority at the time. Don’t let anything stop you from going to school or to continue your education. Remember you are #1 and if you don’t do it for yourself, then what can you do for others?” – (Anonymous) Information Technology Major
Preferring to remain anonymous, this hard working Dad gave up his full-time Job to pursue his academic goal to become an Informational Technologist. His wife is very supportive and works hard to manage the children and the household needs as her husband attends evening classes at Plaza College. Aware that his children, family and friends are watching, he remains driven to attain his academic goals at all costs.
“[Regarding attending college as an adult] I was asked, ‘Would I have done things differently if I had the chance?’ I would have to say no. My parents had both passed away by the time I was 19 years old, so I had to work to pay the rent. I guess it is God’s plan for me to go to school now. Maybe I’m more mentally ready for the challenge.” –Lisa Merced
Lisa Merced is a 3rd semester evening student pursuing Health Information Technology. She is happily married and is a mother of two children. Discipline is her strength, as she juggles her household, work, and school responsibilities well.
“Less partying and study harder. Cut back on the social activities.” -Karen B. Coppin.
Karen is a 5th semester Medical Assistant attending evening classes with one child. Graduation is around the corner!
“It is never too late to go back to school, because I am 60 years old and I am doing it!”- Angela Morales.
Angela Morales is a 5th year evening student pursuing Medical Assisting.
Her kids are grown and she is going for her goals. There is no time like the present.
“Make sure you have time to do school family and work. You need to have a lot of study time, so prioritize your time.”- Eileen Taberas.
Eileen Taberas is a 3rd year medical student with two young children. Ambition is her middle name!
“Be serious and focus on what you want out of life. Don’t rush into something that you should think through carefully. Stay in it to the end and do your best. Always keep a positive attitude.” –Clarice Jackson.
Clarice is a 4th semester Medical Assistant student and is making things happen.
“My motivation is to have a career in life so my kids can look up to their mother and also do what I have to do to succeed for their life.” - B.C.
B.C. Is a 4th semester medical Assistant student with two young boys under the age of 6 at home. It is a challenge but she is making it happen!
“My family is my motivation. I have four boys. I have to set a good example for them. If they don’t see me studying, why should they study?” –Marina Marte
Marina is 4th semester Medical Assistant. She is happily married with four boys.
“I would like to encourage mothers not to be afraid to come to Plaza College. Invest in your education, because if I can do it, you can do it too. WELCOME TO PLAZA COLLEGE!”- Danilsa Encarnacion
Danilsa Encarnacion is a 3rd semester Medical Assistant. She is happily married and has a young son named Sanjay. She sees herself working in a nice Medical office one day and giving the best of herself.