While there are plenty of challenges that come with being a student and a mother, multiple BYU student moms say that the experience is ultimately a fulfilling and joyful one.
Elle Kelsey is a BYU student who will be graduating in the spring of 2025 with a computer engineering major and computer science minor. She is also the mother to her one year old son.
Kelsey said that while it is difficult to balance taking care of her son with homework and other responsibilities, it also gives her a new perspective on these challenges.
“I love coming home from my classes and seeing my son so excited to see me,” Kelsey said. “He reminds me that school isn’t the most important thing in life, that I have greater callings in life than just being a student.”
Camille Acosta graduated BYU in Dec. 2024 with a degree in Spanish teaching. Her son was eight months old at the time she graduated.
Acosta said that the hardest part of becoming a mother while in school was missing lectures because of sickness during her pregnancy.
She also said that during a semester of student teaching, she had to be away from her five-month-old son for at least nine hours each day.
However, Acosta said that the experience was a beautiful one.
“Getting to pursue a career and take classes I was passionate about while taking care of a baby was more beautiful than I could have dreamed of,” Acosta said.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there are approximately 2.7 million female students raising children while in college. The study also shows that student moms have higher average GPAs than other students.
Kelsey said that her mom, who lives in Spanish Fork and helps out when she has class, has been the biggest support for Kelsey as she balances keeping up with schoolwork and taking care of her son.
“I don’t know what I would have done if she didn’t live so close,” Kelsey said.
Kelsey also said that she can always rely on the support and helping hand of neighbors and friends as she works towards graduation in a few months.
Even with the challenges that come, being a student and a mother is an experience that Kelsey values.
“Being a mother and a student is challenging to say the least,” Kelsey said. “It’s also incredibly fulfilling and brings me a lot of joy.”