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College Advisor Mom
by Mary Davis
For the final segment in our series, we’ll be looking at the results of last month’s poll, which asked, “How does a college education contribute to society?” This is definitely a worthwhile question. One of the biggest reasons women give for going back to school, beyond supporting her family and increasing her sense of self-fulfillment, is to make a difference in the world. Your answers to this question provided quite a bit of insight. Let’s take a look.
The majority of poll respondents, 49%, stated that a college education “provides the knowledge and expertise necessary to affect change.” Not far behind, 31% said that getting a degree “provides the skills necessary to take a leadership role.” Finally, 20% felt that going back to school contributes to society because it “refines problem solving skills needed to address concerns in the community.”
It’s no surprise that so many of you look to a college education to give you knowledge in your chosen major. You expect that knowledge will make you an expert in your field and will lead to your ability to affect change. That is the obvious reason for pursuing higher education, right? What is not so obvious to many is the additional benefits of a college education, such as interpersonal skills, leadership skills and enhanced critical thinking abilities.
These skills are what employers are looking for in potential employees. They want to know that their team is capable of making thoughtful decisions, can get along with others and is likely to rise in the ranks to move the company forward. The higher education setting is the ideal place to gain these soft skills.
As a mom, you already possess these skills. Your life experience and the lessons learned from motherhood have given you a jumpstart on traditional-aged college students. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow and learn through your time in college.
Pursuing your degree will require you to use your brain in different ways than you have been accustomed to in other parts of your life. You will be exposed to new ideas and ways of looking at the world. You’re also likely to learn more about yourself than you ever dreamed possible. Going to school is something you do for yourself, beyond your family and your job. College is just as much a time of personal growth and identity development for working mothers as it is for students straight out of high school.
As a college graduate you will contribute to society in so many ways. You’ll, of course, be armed with knowledge in your field. You’ll also be prepared to offer informed views, leadership and problem solving skills. Be confident in the understanding that you are well-prepared to change the world around you.
