Reasons women return to school as adults are as varied as the women themselves. It may be the feeling of unfinished business for the degree left incomplete some years ago, an empty nest, a divorce, an economy-forcing career change, the desire for advancement, or simply self-fulfillment. If any of these scenarios fits you, welcome to the ranks of the thousands of women returning to college this year. 

Degrees empower women with the knowledge and skills acquired, self confidence attained through achievement, and independence in greater choices in career paths. Plenty of women have successfully completed college while working and raising families, some even caring for elderly relatives as well. In fact, research indicates that returning female college students tend to succeed, notably, even really busy women. Even if you have been out of school for a while, you bring clear advantages to your studies, such as life experience, perspective, and analytical and critical thinking skills.

Even with these advantages, when the first days of excitement of enrolling have subsided, orientation is history, and the class work begins to pile up, you may begin to question your decision. Businessman Harvey MacKay wrote that failures don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan. Here are a few tips to assist you in bringing balance to your life as you reach for this goal:

1. Create a schedule. Most of us lead pretty full lives with never a spare moment. Now you are adding classes and study time. Create a schedule utilizing a weekly calendar, blocking off class times (unless you are taking classes online), and specific study times. With a job and/or a family, it can be very easy to delay assignments until the last minute only to discover that they can’t be accomplished in the little time left. This creates the feeling that you can’t be successful when you have simply not planned for the demands of schoolwork. When planning your schedule, be sure to delegate chores that everyone can do. If you have children, help them feel connected to your role as a student by giving them new responsibilities that support your efforts.

2. Have a backup plan for childcare. Every working parent needs a backup plan for childcare for her job. Pursuing your education is no different. Even if you have a partner who fully supports you, there may be a night when work intervenes in his/her life as well. Everyone’s stress level will be much lower with a backup plan in place.

3 . Enlist the support of family or friends. Attempting to balance work and family life while adding education into the mix can be tough. If possible, gain the help of those around you in supporting your schedule. You become a role model for your children, nieces, nephews, and even friends when you demonstrate the importance of your education.

Although this suggestion may work for some women, research indicates that first-generation college students sometimes receive little, if any, family support. Faculty members at South University suggest that you find support from other people if you are in this position. For example, team up with other students as “study buddies,” exchange contact information with a classmate for each class you are taking, and. perhaps most importantly, locate and utilize the resources that you need on campus such as your instructors, librarians, or tutors.

4. Plan rewards. Keep in mind that living on “overload” is only for a specific frame of time, not forever. Build small rewards into each study session if needed or at the end of the term. When you reach the successful end of a term, plan something with your family or friends that you haven’t been able to do with the time constraints of your classes. Or reward yourself with a walk outside or a favorite TV show after you have completed the reading assignments for the week. Determine what works as a reward for you and utilize it to help you stay on track for your goal.

5. Learn to say “no.” Refine your schedule so only essential activities fills your hours. Although you may be reluctant to give up certain meaningful activities, such as committees at church or work, ask yourself if you can return to this activity upon completion of your degree. Is it worth the sacrifice for future returns?
Put a plan into place to ensure attaining your goal and you will join the ranks of those who walk across the stage in cap and gown, degree in hand, with a world of opportunity awaiting you!

Maureen Nixon, Ph.D., is the Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations at South University - Virginia Beach. She has 20 years of experience in higher education and heads a teaching team of 20 faculty members at South University. South University, located at 301 Bendix Road in Virginia Beach, is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. For more information, visit www.southuniversity.edu or call 800-688-0932.