Single Mom's Dreams Are Closer To Becoming
Reality Than She Could Dream
Dear
Harlan,
I'm 18 years old and would like to go back to school to study
obstetrics, but I dropped out of middle school and got my
GED. Now I really want to go back to school. I talked to counselors,
but they weren't any help. And I just had a baby, so I have
to work to pay for day care. So, if I work I can only go to
college part time, but I don't want to make 10 years of school
into 20. I don't know if I have to go to a community college
or straight to a university. I don't even know where to start.
Wanna
Be a Career Woman
Dear
Career Woman,
After
doing some detective work (and reading the return address
on your letter), I saw that you were from South Florida. So
I called up Broward Community College and asked to speak to
the head of counseling. That's when I was connected with Kaye
Francis Garland, associate dean of student affairs. After
reading your letter to her, she told me you "would be a perfect
candidate for BCC." A GED puts you in a great place. Factor
in some financial aid, a possible scholarship and help with
child care on campus (often available as part of financial
aid or scholarships), and you can get your associate degree
and move on to a state school in a couple of years.
As a single mom with dreams, you just need to find the right
people and get the right help along the way. Once you get
there - and you will - you can be an inspiration for all of
those who are too afraid or have stopped dreaming.
