Vanessa Gross

As a full-time college student, I have many obligations. From deadlines to homework. Add raising two kids and being a wife, the stress is more than doubled.
When I decided to return to college, a lot of my decision was based on me wanting to be a good role model for my children. I want the best for my kids, and I believe that higher education is vital. How can I tell my kids to go to college and get a degree if I was unable to demonstrate that myself?
Having affordable, quality daycare while going to school is definitely on the top of our list of concerns. I have always felt blessed that Little Mavs Learning Center was here on campus for students’ kids. My son has gone there now for two years and it has been great. My kids thrive there and the convenience cannot be beat. But the cost of childcare is going up. Not being able to work full-time because of my school can be very overwhelming.
Unfortunately, I was faced with the reality this year, my senior year; I might have to drop out. The cost for my children to attend day care and preschool was going to cost more this semester than my own tuition and books were going to be. My husband and I could not afford to pay the more than a thousand dollars a month tuition for them.
After the hard work I have done, the sacrifices my family and I have made for me to finish school, making the Dean’s list last semester, and this was how it was going to end. I was devastated by the idea.
Reaching out for help can be humbling, but it is what I had to do. With lots of prayers, phone calls and paperwork I was able to get help so my kids could stay where I wanted them to be, and I am still in school. Thank God. I still don’t know if that will be the case next semester, but that is a struggle I will deal with when it comes.
I appreciate my education more than ever now as I hope my children someday will as well. No matter if you have children or not, going to college is something to be proud of. Finishing and getting your degree is commendable. Just don’t quit because things are tough. Life is not easy but apparently it is not supposed to be. If you want something you need to go after it, no matter what obstacles might be tossed your way. You will be proud of yourself beyond measure that you did.