Students who are parents face a unique set of challenges when returning to school. We recognize their resilience and determination as they navigate the demands of pursuing their education while raising a family.

Read more to learn about some of our incredible student parents.
  • Kacoutie Allou
    Kacoutie Allou
    Student Parent
    The time we spend in school is never wasted, but rather the time we spend hesitating is wasted time. Why is school important to you? School is important to me because it can give me everything I need to succeed in America such as a good-paying job, fluency in English, being able to navigate US systems, and being able to get involved easily in the school education of my children in order to help them succeed too. About your journey to FCC I started with ESL classes. I went through these classes for one year from intermediate to advanced level. I stopped school for two years before deciding to register for the Cloud Computing Certificate classes. The professors and the staff of the College are really helpful and always at our disposal. FCC is one of the most enjoyable school trips of my life!
          What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school? I would say that the time we spend in school is never wasted, but rather the time we spend hesitating is wasted time. If we want to assume our family responsibilities with ease, we really shouldn't hesitate to look for the best school level that we can achieve. It will help us to get a better job, to easily face our many bills, and to be able to better help our children in their school life.
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  • Tammy Anderson
    Tammy Anderson
    Student Parent
    I always wanted to continue my education, but fear and life had gotten in the way. Why is school important to you? School is important to me because all my life I’ve loved school. I always made good grades and took pride in my work. I became pregnant in my 11th grade year and dropped out. Years had gone by and I had two more kids, and no high school diploma. I would be afraid to run into people that I knew from school. Afraid to answer the question, what are you up to now? In 2010 I moved my family from Washington, DC to Frederick for a fresh start. Upon moving to Frederick I also promised myself I would say yes more and try new things, and that is exactly what I did- starting with getting my GED. I completed my GED while being homeless living in a homeless shelter called Hope Alive. Once I walked across the stage at FCC I knew it was real. I immediately felt a sense of self-worth, but I knew my journey was just beginning. About your journey to FCC More years have gone by since my children are much older and didn’t require so much of my time, I figured it was time to start focusing more on myself. I always wanted to continue my education, but fear and life had gotten in the way. Had it not been for my supervisor saying we would sign up together, I probably would still be just talking about it instead of actually doing it. Once I signed up I had no clue what to expect. I was so apprehensive, but from the very first day everyone was pleasant and helpful. When I say everyone from the security, to the admissions, to finance, the professors, and most of all Parent’s Lead. The Parent’s Lead program is one of the best things I can ever be a part of. My Parent’s Lead advisors have been there for me from the beginning, through all the nerves, tears, breakdowns, and even financial hardships. Most of all the success, my Parent’s Lead advisors are my biggest cheer squad outside of my family and friends. My advisors believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I will forever love you guys. What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school? My advice for anyone considering attending or even returning to FCC is to, in the words of NIKE, “Just do it!” Stop thinking, stop second guessing yourself it can be done, stop trying to make it make sense, and most of all stop pouring into everyone else and pour into yourself and just do it!!! Read more
  • Grace Begazo
    Grace Begazo
    Student Parent
    I knew it was never too late for my dream to be attainable if I just finished school. Why is school important to you?

    School has always been something that I wanted to go back to and finish, but the time has never been right for me. I talked so much about the importance of going to college and obtaining a degree or learning a trade to find a career path of your choice to my daughter and nieces/nephews so they knew in life they have choices. I spoke from experience because I worked in healthcare for 18 years, which I loved, but my passion and career choices were in another field that required a degree. I knew it was never too late for my dream to be attainable if I just finished school. Here I am starting again fall of 2023.

     About your journey to FCC It started with taking my daughter to attend ROAR here at FCC. The amount of information given on this day was enough for me to realize that I really wanted to go back to school and it was now or never. On this same day I met Tamkya from the Student Success Center who shared tons of resources that helped me with my decision. That same week I applied for FAFSA, took an Accuplacer test, transferred my credits from my previous school, met with an advisor, registered for classes, set up a payment plan and applied for scholarships. I am grateful that by attending Launch and being eligible for a scholarship it helped make my dream of going back to school financially possible.  What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school?

    It is never too late to pursue school again. Just take the first step and apply, meet with an advisor to find a degree path that is fitting for you. Trust me you will feel inspired once you take the first steps and everything else will align itself. 

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  • Shaun Walmsley
    Shaun Walmsley
    Student Parent
    I want to leave a positive impact on this world and show my daughters that it is never too late to chase your dreams. Why is school important to you?

    School is important to me because it provides me with essential knowledge and skills that I can carry with me on a new and exciting journey in my life. It serves as a platform for personal growth, allowing me to explore new interests and develop a well-rounded perspective. I chose to continue my education to help others in recovery. I want to leave a positive impact on this world and show my daughters that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

     About your journey to FCC

    My journey to FCC has been long overdue. I had never been enthusiastic about school and studying. I was a star athlete in high school and that is all that mattered to me. I was going to be a college athlete and skate through college like some of my contemporaries and “attempted” college 28 years ago. The reality was that I had not yet found my calling. After an adventurous 46 years of my life, two years ago I chose a path of recovery. I want to help others who battle addiction and get their lives back on track. My first two classes here over the summer sealed the deal for me and I found a new appreciation for learning. I currently have a 4.0 GPA for the first time in my life and the sky is the limit. 

     What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school?

    I would tell them, “Why not?” Returning to school as a parent can be both challenging and rewarding. It may require adjusting schedules and balancing multiple responsibilities, but it opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth. Remember that the decision to pursue education is an investment in your future and setting a positive example for your children. Consider seeking guidance from academic advisors or support networks to create a realistic plan that accommodates your family's needs. 

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