Single Parent Selina

Crazy week!

2009-03-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was so crazy - homelife was manic and I had lots of hassle filling out the Ucas form (UK central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to higher education)- it's true what they say about going to University, you need to be good at researching and filling out forms, because it took me weeks and this was with (I say lightly) the help of my tutor!

I'm still waiting to get it sent off as the tutor is having problems approving it!! Apparently something's wrong with the software!!!

Anyway after a crying outburst and talking to someone sensible made me see some light at the end of the tunnel. Hiccups can often make you feel disheartened, but fingers crossed Newport Uni here I come!

The good thing lately is the kids have been really good. My big daughter has been better behaved at school and getting some really good marks I think the sun shining has a lot to do with their morale.

I am enjoying the weather also and can't wait for summer. Summer often helps you forget your problems and makes you just enjoy being!

Yippee Yeah Yippee Yeah!!

2009-03-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hey there, just finished on Friday my first part of the degree - so I officially have a foundation degree in Public and Community Service! Boy I am so proud of myself, not because I've passed but because I have done it with little or no help and support.

The course started off with 15 students and by the end of the course there was only 4 left. 2 of these 4 got help and support with their studies because they have disabilities and the other person has still got to hand in 3 assignments and then there is me, I have handed in all my work and brfore the deadline with like I said - no support.

In those 3 years I have had my daughter, who is two years old and was in a violent relationship - but even though my life was crazy, I did the degree for me, I did this so I would not lose sight of myself.

Now I am at the other end I now know who I am and how strong and determined I can be!

My message for this week is really even though we have families, NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF YOURSELF AND YOUR POTENTIAL.

Stay strong

Selina

2009-02-24T03:41:00.000-08:00

Hi my name is Selina and i am here to talk about my life as a single parent while trying to climb the carreer lader

Currently I am studying a degree and volunteering/volunteer coordinating alongside being a single parent. The volunteering and coordinating i do at SPAN, and have been doing so for over a year. The studying with plymouth (Public and Community service) has been over a three year period.

The saying is definitely true - you work around your kids. For my big girl this means clashes with deadlines or being too wound up to study with things like parents evening, doctor and dentists and meetings with teachers concerning her behaviour and my little girl this means trying to find a babysitter every week, not being able to have study time when I want and scribbled, lost and ripped up documents for assignments.

I love them dearly but what a clash. Anyways I have nearly finished the first part of my degree with one assignement left and then I will have a break. In this period I will be looking for work and material for the last part of my degree.

My volunteering work seems to be alot easier as SPAN (Single Parent Action Network) provide childcare so that has meant less stress, and being able to work without distractions.

Fingers crossed there will be no major obstacles and things run smoothly as time is valuable and me time is very slim. But who says a carreer is imposible when you are a single mother. I am proff that a little perseverance and hard work goes along way and hopefully towards a satisfying carreer. So any body who is thinking of a carreer who has kids i would say go for it, your children grow up and lead their own lives, so start making moves for when they do.

Thanks for reading my blog, and please check out my video. More from me in two weeks time.