Life as a Student Mum - Student Blog Entry
My university experience isn’t the ‘normal’ journey most people go on…
As I reach the final few weeks of my BA Primary Education course I have been thinking back on my time at St. Marys and have realised how different my university process has been. There are lots of reasons mine isn’t the standard university journey. I joined St. Marys in my second year after transferring, I am profoundly deaf (using a Cochlear Implant to hear) and I became a mum during my studies! That was definitely the best part!
As a student transferring I knew what to look for this time and St. Marys had what I wanted in three main areas: my course content, the beautiful campus and transport links to the university itself. As part of this process I did the interview and entry test as if I was entering 1st year, even though I was entering from Year 2. I remember there being a talk from the Students' Union as part of the day and it was mentioned they would always be there to support students and ensure their voice is heard. This was a wonderful message to hear, but I didn’t know yet that this would be something I would experience myself.
SMSU support has been amazing throughout my studies. Various staff members and the Officer Team have been involved at different points and I want to share an example of these experiences so that any students (or potential students) reading this are aware of how accessible SMSU is and their desire to help us succeed.
One instance in particular was when Nat, our current Education President, was available at short notice to act as a support and guidance in the initial meetings around the impact my pregnancy and motherhood would have upon my studies, ensuring my voice was heard. I had a meeting two days after I emailed SMSU and she was there! We met before, she worked through the process with me and made sure I knew all the ins and outs of the relevant policies, procedures and practices. I felt much clearer on suggesting ideas and approaches to my academic team around how I could balance my studies, being pregnant and longer term with my young son. It worked fantastically and we structured a plan that allowed for short term and longer term needs whilst also ensuring I maintained attendance and academic levels.
It’s not always been easy, but with some newly developed time-management skills I’m now only a few weeks away! I’m sure all students can appreciate how only being able to write essays, design portfolios and practice presentations after my son’s bedtime is far from ideal… especially when I’m a fantastic procrastinator!
Needing to balance and prioritise responsibilities and commitments is something students will all experience at some point of their academic journey, so I would encourage everyone to reach out to the teams available and take up any support on offer – it really can make such a difference!
With life never as you expect it, I went into hospital for my son to arrive only three days after I delivered a marked university group presentation. Not going into labour whilst presenting remains one of my greatest achievements to date!
Overall it is important to mention that since joining St Mary’s the wider university teams have all been very supportive: from the academic team on my course to the wellbeing team and even the chaplaincy staff too (as we actually had our son christened on campus 6 months later!)!
Six months further down my journey and our family celebrated our son’s christening in the chapel on campus by Fr. Peter. It was a magical day surrounded by all our friends and family in such a beautiful setting. You never really recognise how amazing it is until those in your life that don’t see it everyday tell you. So make the most of our wonderful campus while you can… but there was only one way to truly celebrate the christening of a baby during my time at St. Mary’s – hiring the Uni Bar afterwards!
When I returned to studies after my arranged Leave of Absence I came back more determined than ever to succeed and discussions with SMSU around my support led to improved communication with my programme and continued support measures being in place. My timetable was adapted as much as possible to work around childcare, me looking after my son and medical appointments. What was really great was that whenever I had short meetings with my lectures or my academic personal tutor I was able to bring my son too… my Early Years specialism lecturer particularly enjoyed these meetings I think! The final two semesters of my degree have included writing my dissertation, a portfolio, presentation and undertaking an enhancement placement, all usually on minimal sleep as a new parent...
I’m not openly saying being a student parent is easy, but with the support of SMSU and the St. Mary’s university teams I am finally going to graduate soon with a BA Primary Education degree! It can be done, student/parent life is possible!
From reading my rather different experience I hope that any students who may have child care needs, a disability or any other additional concerns around jumping into being a student, can join St. Mary’s knowing that SMSU are there for you throughout your time as a student in more ways than you realise!
By Olivia Kirkwood
If you want to keep up to date with Olivia’s journey after St. Mary’s follow @kirkwoodsandkids on Instagram and read more blogs at www.kirkwoodsandkids.com.
