**Single Mother Balances College Life and Parenthood with Newfound Support**
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Grace D’Amato, a determined single mother from New Jersey, has been on a remarkable journey in her pursuit of higher education while raising her son, Matteo. Now a senior at Wilson College, she maintains an impressive 3.9 GPA and looks forward to the unique experience of graduating alongside her child, who will don his own cap and gown.
D’Amato’s academic path began in community college, where she faced the dual challenges of studying and single parenthood. “It was a struggle,” she recalls. As she attempted to balance classes, work commitments, and childcare, her academic performance began to decline. Eventually, the pressure became too much, and she decided to prioritise her job and financial responsibilities over her education.
After earning her associate’s degree, D’Amato transferred to a four-year institution. However, the absence of housing assistance impeded her progress further, and managing both her studies and parenting responsibilities became increasingly untenable. “I was miserable during my first experience as a college student and young mother,” she admits, reflecting on a time when academic success seemed out of reach.
With her aspirations of obtaining a degree still alive, D’Amato sought a more supportive environment. Her breakthrough came unexpectedly through a TikTok video where another single mother shared her positive experiences with Wilson College and its Single Parent Scholar Program. D’Amato had never heard of the programme before, but she was inspired enough to apply immediately.
Upon her acceptance into the college, D’Amato had the opportunity to interview with the programme’s director—an experience that paved the way for a fresh start. She relocated to campus housing with Matteo, who was then just six years old. To her surprise, the mother who introduced her to Wilson College became a close friend, further enriching D’Amato’s support network.
As both D’Amato and Matteo embarked on new school years, with Matteo starting first grade and D’Amato entering her senior year, they adapt to their routines together. D’Amato has learned to structure her class schedule around Matteo’s school hours, occasionally bringing him along to her classes when necessary.
Understanding professors have played a pivotal role in D’Amato’s academic success as well. They have accommodated her needs, allowing her to attend classes virtually when Matteo has been unwell. This level of support has made a profound impact on her ability to thrive both as a student and a parent.
D’Amato’s commitment to her education is reflected in her stellar academic record. Last semester, she received nearly £8,000 in scholarships and adeptly funded her education through a mix of scholarships, grants, and student loans. This financial relief has been instrumental in allowing her to focus on her studies without the added stress of financial insecurity.
D’Amato has also taken it upon herself to advocate for other student parents through her honours thesis, which examines accessibility and support for parents navigating higher education. In addition, she shares her insights on TikTok, aiming to inspire other student parents and raise awareness about the importance of programmes like the Single Parent Scholar Program.
“By sharing my journey, I hope to motivate others and encourage colleges to develop more support systems for students with children,” D’Amato explains. Finding the right resources often necessitated a significant move for her; she relocated approximately three and a half hours from her hometown to access the support she needed.
As graduation approaches, D’Amato and Matteo are poised to celebrate a significant milestone together. Children of students in the programme traditionally participate in the graduation ceremony, donning caps and gowns to honour their role in their parents’ academic journey. This acknowledgement is profoundly meaningful for D’Amato, who notes, “They have been such a huge part of this journey. It means a lot that they get to be recognised too.”
With tears likely to accompany the celebration, D’Amato reflects on the challenges overcome and the overwhelming joy of reaching this pivotal point in her and Matteo’s lives. Their shared journey not only exemplifies dedication but also highlights the importance of community support in achieving educational aspirations.