Daniel Cecil
Published: November 9, 2005
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1970, 40 percent of all households were categorized as traditional family, with the father being the primary bread winner. That number is down to a mere 24 percent as of the last census in 2000.
In fact, the traditional TV type family, with the father as the only wage earner and an at-home mom, constitutes a mere seven percent of the population in 2000. Nationally, the single parent family population grew almost five percent annually during the ’70s.
Right here in Florida, according to the 2000 census, nearly 12 percent, or more than 750,000 families have a female head of household. The number of single parent families with male heads of households was not computed, but their numbers are growing as well.
Inspired to learn, whether out of desire to improve their employment opportunities or for continued education, these single parents make up a small but growing minority on campus. Having been widowed, Terri Herrington has returned to school out of necessity: “My husband died (he was the means of support), and now I need to provide that support.”
Anyone who has ever attended college is aware of its stress and demands. But single parents also are the primary wage earners, which forces them to find balance between the stress and demands of both work and school. With whatever spare time is available, these same single parents squeeze in all of their domestic responsibilities.
According to Amanda, mother of five, the most challenging thing about going to school, working, and being a single parent is “finding time to help them (her children) with homework, soccer practice, cheerleading, and finding time to do my stuff.”
In spite of the employment and domestic demands that might impose on their time, these single parents manage to make their mark in the classroom and at home. Success is only possible if there is good time management and organization. Amanda pointed out that one of the benefits of her return to school was that, “my study habits are rubbing off on the kids; they see I am organized and they become organized.”
In response to this growing sector of the student body, colleges across the nation are tasked with addressing their special needs and unique concerns. PJC offers career planning through its career services center, financial aid, on-site daycare and a myriad of services and assistance through student support services.
Regardless of their motivation, these single parent students bring diversity and life experience to the classroom. Their personal drive and ambition make them admirable classmates and ideal study partners.