Do you think it's possible/good for a single mother to go to grad school?

Question

I'm majoring in Political Science/History, but I realize that that by itself (aside from teaching) won't get me anything jobwise, I might as well work at Wal-mart.

I'd like to get a MA in International Administration and possibly a PhD, and work for an international organization like the UN or just be a US foreign service officer.

So this is a two-part question:

a) Do you think it's possible for me, a single mom. And how do I pay for grad school?

b) Is it a good thing? Is it possible to go to grad school and be a good mom at the same time, or am I stretching myself too thin?

Oh, and I don't get any public assistance except of course grants and scholarships for undergrad school. I don't get child support either, as his father is dead.

Answer 1

It is certainly possible and laudable if you can do it, though accept that it will be a hard row to hoe. You'd pretty much have to hope for scholarship/fellowship money to do it or try to squeeze in a university-related job such as TA-ing.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I say go for it. It will be hard, but worth it in the end. I'd search the web for grants and scholarships. I've heard there is more money than people know available. I recently heard that there is a full-ride scholarship to Duke for a male that lives in the county that we live in. That's the only qualification - unbelievable! Of course, the guy with the highest grades and best resume will probably get it, but what if no one else applied for it?

Answer 3

well, i really have no idea how i can help other than tellling you about my mom. when i was younger my mom divorced my biological father. she raised 3 kids (ranging from ages 6 (me) to 10....the ages the us kids were when the divorce happened). she had a full-time job, raised us 3 kids, graduated with the highest honors and recieved her bachelor's in psychology. mind you, she was very tired from running around.
when i was 8 (my siblings and i are aprox. 2 yrs. apart from each other), mom got remarried to a wonderful man whom i refer to as my "dad" (when i mention him to my friends, i say dad....when i mentiion my biological father, i say father....some of my friends' girlfriends/boyfriends who don't know me well, look at me like i've got 3 heads until i explain).
this past may (may of '07), Mom earned her master's in psychology.
us 3 kids are grown up and have done well. my sister has her own family and has a full-time job, my brother is a chef, i am still in college, earning my bachelor's in criminal justice (although i have an associates in cj and another degree in cj).
if you continue to have faith in yourself, you can do it.
my answer(s) are:
a. yes it is possible. if my mom could, you can too. get grants and scholarships
b. yes it is a good thing....actually its a great thing! if you continue being in contact with your kids and be there for them to the best of your ability, then you can still be a good mom. let your kids know that mom (or mommy) loves them very much. if you are tired and stressed, let your kids know if you're tired/stressed let them know and also they should know that you're not tired/stressed because of them....its because of school and work.
if i may suggest something. if your parents/family are near by or your deceased husbands familiy is near by (may your husband est in peace) ask them to watch your kids while you do your school work....that way you can concentrate

Answer 4

I think if you can manage it - grad school is a great idea. I hope you are getting social security for your child, if he/she is under 16 you should be.

Answer 5

i think of the two boys and ladies ought to study that a new child is appropriate raised with the help of two mum and dad, and that fathers ought to stick around and help strengthen their young little ones. As your mum and dad ought to have been taught.