Who are your dependents?
Isaac – 10 years old and Lainey – five years old
What is your favorite thing about being a student with a dependent at UT?
I love the pride my children have when they tell others that their mom is a Longhorn. They’ve seen how hard I’ve worked to become a student at UT and how hard I am working to get through it. I hope they will gain an appreciation for hard work and dedication.
What is the most challenging thing about being a student with a dependent?
The workload is intense and definitely not designed for someone with many outside responsibilities. The cost of living and childcare have been extremely challenging for me to navigate as a single parent. There are often group projects that require additional time outside of class that are difficult when commuting from far away, and coordinating school schedules.
What advice would you give to a student with dependents applying to UT?
In my essay, I wrote about some of the struggles I’ve faced as a young parent. I encourage others to be earnest about what impact parenthood has had on their lives, both the good and bad.
What has been your favorite class so far?
I really enjoyed Discrete mathematics because I loved the material and felt like I was really learning how to understand my subject.
If you had one tip for students with dependents, what would it be?
Sometimes, I feel like a fish out of water at UT. It helps me to remember that having dependents has meant I’ve had to work harder to earn my spot here. I do belong, and you do too.
What is one thing you cannot live without as a parent?
Tablets and headphones.
What were your children’s first words?
“Ball” and “bubble.”
What is your favorite thing about being a Longhorn?
Walking around campus and knowing how hard I worked to get here.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I hope to have a career in data analytics in the Austin area. I want to focus on building a secure and bright future for myself and my children.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
As challenging as even my worst day has been at UT, I do not regret being a student here. It has pushed me to become a more adaptive individual, and has led to my family bonding over a sense of pride in being a Longhorn family. I’m incredibly grateful.