Celebrating National Student Parent Month

September was National Student Parent Month. Meet four wonderful UIC student-parents who are making a difference for their families and fellow parents on campus:

Undergraduate student, Public Policy
Diversity Community Engagement Program Intern, Women’s Leadership and Resource Center

As a non-traditional student transferring to UIC from a community college, the transition has been a journey of adaptation, perseverance, and ultimately finding my place within the university community.

The vibrant and diverse classroom environment I was accustomed to at community college was noticeably different at UIC. At community college, I found class time offerings and student support services to be more accommodating, providing later class times as well as weekend availability. This enabled me to balance my academic pursuits with familial responsibilities more effectively. So, I was surprised to learn that many of these student resources are not equally accessible to students at UIC. While scheduling classes during the hours my children attend school is manageable, accessing academic support services such as the writing lab or tutoring after 5pm or on weekends proves to be challenging. This lack of accessibility presented a significant hurdle for me as a student-parent who counts on these resources to achieve academic success.

Another challenge I have encountered is the difference in academic calendars between UIC and Chicago Public Schools. This misalignment of semester breaks presents challenges in finding childcare during school closures, posing additional challenges of attending classes and staying on track with my studies.

Most noticeably, UIC lacks family-friendly spaces on campus where children can feel welcome. Basic accommodations like changing tables in bathrooms are absent, and the library does not provide study areas designed for families. Despite the large lawns and green spaces on campus, there are no designated play areas for children, making it difficult to feel fully integrated in campus life.

Beyond academic challenges, I have struggled with the social aspects of college life as well. As an older student and parent, I struggled to connect with peers who were predominantly younger, lived on campus, and participated in traditional student activities. This sense of isolation led to imposter syndrome, making me feel inadequate and out of place among my peers. The turning point for me came when a former professor addressed imposter syndrome in a lecture. I shared what I’d been experiencing since coming to UIC. Sharing my struggle opened a dialogue with that faculty member that shifted my perspective. I realized that my life experience as a student-parent was not a hindrance but a testament of my strength and resilience. This revelation inspired me to embrace my unique perspective and advocate for fellow student-parents on campus.

Through initiatives like the Life Scholar Fellowship and collaborations with organizations like the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center (WLRC), I am working to raise awareness and create resources to support student parents at UIC. From housing to academic and financial support, my goal is to ensure that student-parents have the resources they need to succeed.

My journey as a student-parent at UIC has been one of growth, resilience, and empowerment. By sharing my experiences and advocating for change, I am determined to create a supportive community where student-parents can thrive academically and personally. UIC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to all student populations, and I am excited to be a part of shaping a campus environment that truly reflects and supports the diversity of its student body.

Graduate student, Education with Special Education endorsement

Wendan Hou, a dedicated mother of two, was inspired to pursue higher education by her desire to create a meaningful future for both her children and her community. Her passion for education and belief in its transformative power motivated her to earn her teaching license, master’s degree, and now pursue a special education endorsement. Despite the challenges of balancing studies, student teaching, and motherhood, Wendan’s commitment to becoming the best educator for students who need extra support drives her forward. When asked what advice she would offer to other parent students, she had many words of encouragement. “During my time as a student and a parent, I found that juggling multiple responsibilities requires strong organization. Mapping out assignments, deadlines, and family duties allowed me to stay on top of everything. Prioritizing what needed my immediate attention helped me focus, whether it was coursework, student teaching, or family time. There were many difficult days, especially during my three months of student teaching while taking three courses. But I constantly reminded myself why I started this journey—to set an example for my kids and to make a positive impact in education. Holding onto that purpose helped me push through even the toughest moments.”

Undergraduate student, Marketing

My name is Ashley Moncrief. While I am an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago, studying Marketing with a minor in Leadership, my most important role is being a mother. This dual identity fuels my drive and shapes my purpose every single day. In 2021, I made the life-altering decision to return to school full time—not just for personal growth, but to break generational cycles and pave the way for a better future for my family. As a first-generation college student, my education is more than a pursuit of knowledge; it is my commitment to transforming my family’s story and building a legacy of empowerment.

Challenges at UIC

When I first came to UIC, I was eager to embrace the opportunities ahead, but I soon realized the unique challenges that come with being a student-parent. Finding affordable childcare was a significant obstacle—UIC’s services were only available for children over two years old, leaving me with few options for my younger child. It quickly became clear that student-parents were not fully accounted for in the campus structure, making it harder for us to thrive alongside our peers.

What struck me the most was the absence of accommodations for student-parents in course syllabi and academic policies. While provisions existed for other student groups, there was no acknowledgment of the added responsibilities we carry. This left me feeling invisible, as if the realities of balancing education and parenthood were overlooked, despite our commitment to both.

What I’m advocating for isn’t special treatment—it’s inclusion. Student-parents deserve to be part of the decision-making process when it comes to resources and policies that affect us. By giving us a seat at the table, UIC can ensure that our voices are heard, and that small but meaningful changes, like flexible childcare options or academic adjustments, are made. These changes would do more than lighten the logistical load—they would make us feel like valued members of the UIC community, fostering an environment where we can not only manage but excel.

Balancing Parenthood and Academics

Navigating UIC as a student-parent has been a constant balancing act. Many people react with empathy when they learn I am a mother, but often oversimplify the challenges by saying, “That must be hard.” The truth is balancing parenthood and education is much more complex than that.

In the classroom, I often felt like the only student-parent. While isolating at times, this also pushed me to work harder. Moments of doubt surfaced when I questioned whether attending in person was worth the risk to my child’s health. But even with these doubts, I remained committed to earning a degree and academically succeeding to build a better future for my family.

Meeting Dr. Bennett, Director of the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center, through the CHANCE Women’s Empowerment Breakfast was a pivotal moment. She introduced me to the Diversity Community Engagement Program (DCEP) and WLRC’s Student-Parent Initiative, and for the first time, I felt truly seen and supported. This wasn’t just a shift in my circumstances—it was the start of being part of a movement where student-parents like myself could find a voice, advocate for change, and build a community that uplifts each other.

Barriers to Career Opportunities

When asked what motivates me, the answer is clear: my family. Yet, I was advised by a UIC Business Professor not to mention motherhood in professional settings, fearing it might lead to bias. Instead of presenting parenting as a potential source of discrimination and thus something to hide, I wish that that professor had talked to me about how to go after jobs and still be my authentic self. This advice was disheartening because being a mother is not a weakness—it’s my greatest source of strength. I don’t strive for success in spite of being a parent; I strive because of it.

Securing internships was particularly challenging. Many required me to relocate for short periods, which is unstable for a child. Uprooting my family for a temporary opportunity was simply not an option, despite having the qualifications and determination to excel. Even UIC’s networking events were often scheduled after childcare hours, further excluding student-parents like me. These experiences merely highlight the need for more inclusive opportunities and partnerships—internships, career pathways, and networking events that understand and accommodate the unique circumstances of student-parents.

Advocating for Change

To truly support student-parents, UIC must take proactive steps to include us in decision-making processes and conversations. Accessible childcare, diverse support, syllabi policies, more online courses, and career opportunities designed with our needs in mind are not extras—they are some essential practices. My experience with the DCEP and the Student-Parent Initiative has shown that when student-parents are empowered, meaningful change is possible. UIC has the resources and ability to lead this transformation.

By making these changes, UIC can create an environment where student-parents don’t just survive but thrive. This approach will strengthen retention rates and foster a campus culture that fully embraces and celebrates the contributions of student-parents. In doing so, UIC will build a lasting legacy of inclusion and equity that reflects its true commitment to diversity.

Undergraduate student, Biological Sciences 

Akila Reliford is a UIC student pursuing her bachelor’s degree while raising her one-year-old daughter. She has faced challenges with childcare, finding it difficult to travel to school and afford childcare. However, she believes the Little Sparks Program funding by the CCAMPIS Grant will be a game-changer for her family, allowing her child to socialize and prepare for preschool while giving her peace of mind that her child is in a safe environment during classes. Akila remains driven to prove wrong those who doubted her ability to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor while raising a child. When asked what advice she would offer to other parent students, she stated, “It’s hectic balancing work, family, and school, but use your resources. They’re there to help!”