Amina Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 Hi everyone, If accepted, I will be starting a PA program as a single parent. My son is about 8 years old and I've been divorced since he was 5. In other words....I've been doing this alone for a few years now. A few questions for anyone that has gone through PA school as a single parent: Did you relocate for school? If so, how was the transition? What made it easier /more difficult? Did you have help from anyone? If not, how did you get through the day with studying, cooking, cleaning,and spending time with your kids? Anything you would've done differently? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted January 6, 2014 Author Share Posted January 6, 2014 Well, I guess I will be an example and pioneer for single parents going through PA school. Once I'm accepted and start my journey I will make sure to update this thread with my own anecdotes on what works and what doesn't. I know there are many people who have done it before and I can do it too. For anyone else out there in my situation or something similar...lets encourage each other! I just need to ROCK these interviews and the journey begins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoel32 Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Amina, I was a single parent through all of my undergrad and while I was applying and got into PA school (my first choice school at that!). My son is now older (turning 10), and is capable of doing hw and chores without my constant supervision, which leaves me all the time to study. The only thing that will be slightly difficult, and you WILL be asked this on interviews, will be how you plan on supporting yourself and child when working is NOT possible....especially paying for sitters or after school programs should you choose a program that's not only during the day. If you have a fiscal plan ,and will work hard, there is nothing single parenthood can throw at you they you cant handle :-) Good Luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted January 6, 2014 Author Share Posted January 6, 2014 Yoel32, Thanks for the reply. May I ask how you answered this question? I plan to use the remainder of my Post 9/11 G.I. Bill which will cover the first year of tuition, books and some monthly bills and expenses. Rent will be covered by child support. I will also apply for student loans and any scholarships I'm eligible for. I have also considered the possibility of going back into the military. Do you think this would satisfy the questions and concerns? Have you started PA school yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoel32 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Amina, I answered somewhat similarly. I have been working a full time job, and saved up some money. In addition, I do plan on taking out as much government and second party loans as needed to get by while in school. I plan on starting school this August. Going back to the military sounds like an interesting option, especially if you can come out the other end debt free. For me though, that's not an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted January 22, 2014 Author Share Posted January 22, 2014 Amina, I answered somewhat similarly. I have been working a full time job, and saved up some money. In addition, I do plan on taking out as much government and second party loans as needed to get by while in school. I plan on starting school this August. Going back to the military sounds like an interesting option, especially if you can come out the other end debt free. For me though, that's not an option. Thank you for responding. I'm always grateful for the help on this site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noelia82 Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 I'm also a single parent and applying this cycle. I plan on paying tuition with loans and as far as personal expenses I'm going to use my 401k, which I'm rolling over into an IRA once accepted and unemployed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 Hi Noelia82. I also have a 401k but I never though about using it. There's not much in it to make a huge dent. Probably enough to cover 2 months of expenses. I start school in July. I've ruled out the military and I'm in the process of applying for several scholarships. One day at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swooshie1 Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Don't forget that Clinical year will be another hurdle for you, so you may want to start thinking about it even though it is a ways away. For example, how will you plan for childcare when your surgery / ER rotation schedule requires a commitment of 12 hour days/nights onsite? Or a surgery case that becomes way more complicated (and longer) than anticipated and you can't leave to pick up your child as planned? There are definitely preceptors who willingly make exceptions for parents because they have to work around their kids' schedules, but, you may have a preceptor who decides that is your problem to solve .... just something to keep in mind and plan for as well. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 A little update to this thread... My son and I relocated and settled into our new home for the next few years. The transition wasn't smooth but not as bad as I initially thought it would be. I've found plenty of family activities in the area and a part-time babysitter (although she is quite expensive). I'm still struggling to find more stable, affordable, full-time care. Hopefully that issue will be resolved in the subsequent weeks. I've survived the first 2 weeks of school and the first 2 exams! It has been very difficult trying to manage time and I admit to shedding a few tears and having moments of doubt. I had to fight to get here so, I'm not leaving without another fight! I don't have a system down yet so, I'm not quite ready to give any advice on how to survive the whole process but....I have a plan! I will probably start a new thread to share tips and help others in my situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raigen Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Amina, I came across this post, I am wanting to begin my undergrad and become a PA. I have a son, who will be 6 by the time I obtain m bachelors degree. I would have to relocate as well to a school, after going to court to be able to do so because dad would fight it. Did you completely have to rely on paying sitters, and trying to find someone who could be able to care for him asap whenever you had to be on rotations or in school in evening or over night hours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensexton2 Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 @Amina @Raigen Whatz new with you guyz? Hope you made it through PA school already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePAcafe Posted July 14, 2018 Share Posted July 14, 2018 On 12/24/2013 at 4:20 PM, Amina said: Hi everyone, If accepted, I will be starting a PA program as a single parent. My son is about 8 years old and I've been divorced since he was 5. In other words....I've been doing this alone for a few years now. A few questions for anyone that has gone through PA school as a single parent: Did you relocate for school? If so, how was the transition? What made it easier /more difficult? Did you have help from anyone? If not, how did you get through the day with studying, cooking, cleaning,and spending time with your kids? Anything you would've done differently? Not sure if you ended up going through with PA school or not but I am a single parent currently in my 2nd year of PA School. 1) I did not relocate but I commute one hour to and from school five days a week. 2) Having a solid and reliable support system. If you're constantly worried about your kids or other personal issues, you can't focus on school. Be surrounded by people who you trust. 3) I really don't see how you can do any of this without help. Even if it works for a little while, at some point that will change. Especially during clinical rotations and the more difficult semesters. 4) I would have refreshed on A&P and Medical terminology about a month before school started. Felt like I started from scratch. There is an entire blog dedicated to pre-pa and PA-S moms called The PA Cafe. You may find it a very useful resource and answers to most of your questions. https://thepacafe.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted November 17, 2018 Author Share Posted November 17, 2018 First, for anyone that may have been following this thread hoping for an update, I apologize. I was engulfed by the all consuming PA school life. Thankful I've put that madness behind me. I'm currently a practicing PA. Let me tell you single parents out there...it is possible to do this! Having a support system is extremely important for your own sanity but I represent the few who aren't as fortunate. I had ZERO help or support system. On top of that I had a part-time job! I wanted to quit countless times. I was uncertain I'd get through it. There were times that I didn't even sleep...but I was determined. I absolute DO NOT recommend that you work while in PA school nor do I recommend being a single parent without a support system in place. Regardless of your situation, I've proved (at least to myself) with hard work and determination you can achieve the impossible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted November 17, 2018 Author Share Posted November 17, 2018 @ThePAcafe I actually came across your blog quite by accident and was reminded of this thread I started several years ago. We have a lot in common Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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