Single mom planning to go to school in Bowling Green

[misskristy33]

Hi everyone! I am a 33 year old single mom with an almost 2 year old son. I work at a job where I make enough money to support us with no assistance (in fact I don't qualify for any), but we are scraping by. We live very frugally. I don't have money for anything extra really. Plus I'm the only one at my current job with no college education and I'm getting left behind even though I've been there longest. Additionally, I've been getting more and more frustrated at work because of poor communication from management to staff and other things. I'm also living several hours from family (in WV) and want to move closer. My family are in Southern IN, Southern IL, and Bowling Green. So I've decided that next summer I want to move closer to family and go back to school.

From researching I found out there's a program in Bowling Green for single parents going to school that includes housing and childcare. I believe it's called Scholar House. I plan to contact them. I'm looking at South Central Community and Technical College (skyctc) and interested in the nursing program and also the sonography program. The only thing with sonography is less options and I'm worried about not being able to find a job. My worry with nursing is not getting in or not being able to do it as a single mom. My sister lives in Bowling Green, but she works full time and has 2 kids of her own. I'm not against looking at other schools or locations, but if I can get into the Scholar House program that will be a big help. I would appreciate any input!

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I did a little research on the program you mentioned just to see, mainly because it seems like an awesome program. It looks like housing is paid for via Section 8 voucher in which you will have to apply and be accepted for. Section 8 portability usually requires legal residence in the jurisdiction for approval and usually there is a long waiting list in most jurisdictions. I would DEFINITELY have a Plan B set up if you are at all serious about moving and going to school. It also looks like their daycare only takes children from 6 weeks-4 years of age. Would that be an issue as your son gets older?

Will you be keeping your current job?

I can totally see the importance of being close to family. I am now about 7.5 hours away from my closest relative and I had no idea how tough it would be until I was in that situation. It's scary to think--if I was stranded by the side of the road who would come and get me?! So I can totally see that. You'll definitely need to support should you go to nursing school.

I don't know a lot about sonography, but I feel as though you would have more options with nursing.

[misskristy33]

Thanks for your response. Thank you for the information about housing. I don't really have anyone I could live with or anything. Any suggestions? I wouldn't be able to keep my current job because it's only here and I couldn't do it, go to school, and take care of my son. I'm not sure what to do. I really want to do this. I'm tired of being stuck at my job here and growing unhappy with my job. I want to go to school!

[ilwi0427]

For plan b consider one parent scholar house in Lexington Ky. I used to live here. Great program. Nice place to live..look at university. Of Ky and BCTC programs. .they also gave child care on site

[Texan8801]

Hi Kristy,

I just wanted to tell you that if I can do it you definitely can do it! I'm in the same situation...single mom and a 3 year old son. I didn't have any family to help me out at all. I am supposed to graduate in May. Hang in there and keep your head up! Where there is a will there is a way.