Student-Parent-Spotlights - Frederick Community College

Ethan Fyfe

Student Parent

As a parent we all have some sort of grit and want what's best for our children. Do not lose sight of your dreams. Tell us about your journey to FCC. I started my higher education at Purdue University Global back in 2020. With the way the military works, it was not possible for me balance the deployments and time away from a computer at my last two commands. Luckily, I now work at a university with leaders who understand and encourage higher education. So, I looked at Frederick Community College to try the in-person schooling. I really did like the in-person class I took in the winter semester. What motivated you to continue your education while raising a family? The military is not forever and does not provide many civilian certifications. Furthermore, the nursing route will allow me to continue to work outside the Navy to be a present parent and student for a graduate course (family medicine nurse practitioner). What challenges have you faced balancing school, parenting, and other responsibilities—and how have you overcome them? Time management is extremely difficult due to plans always needing to be adapted to my daughter's schedule and needs. Luckily, work is understanding for the most part and is not as intense as my other duty stations, allowing me to concentrate on family and self-growth. The only obligation that work requires is going away for about two months throughout the entire year. What support systems or resources at FCC (or outside of FCC) have been most helpful to you? Honestly, I have never fully utilized any support services from anywhere. My wife and I are able to support each other. Maybe it causes microcracks in our relationship, but that has not been apparent yet.
What advice would you give to other student parents who are considering going back to school? Depending on how old your child is, ours just turned 9 months old, I would recommend starting off light with one or two classes and see how it goes. Obviously, the older the child is the more independent the child is, making it slightly easier. The stress of balancing a child, school, and work is possible! Everyone's situation is different but, if you are passionate about a subject or career change, you will be fine. As a parent we all have some sort of grit and want what's best for our children. Do not lose sight of your dreams.
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Jessica Stefanick

Student Parent

Don't let the fear of needing help stop you from going back to school.

Tell us about your journey to FCC. My journey to FCC started when I first moved to Maryland. I'm from New Jersey originally, and while in New Jersey I started looking into going to school to become a nurse. Life happened and family in Maryland needed me to move, and once we were somewhat settled in our new routine, I started looking into FCC for nursing at the advice of my mom. I was taking a leap of faith that I wasn't sure was going to work out. That fall I was enrolled in classes working on my pre-requisites for the FCC nursing program. What motivated you to continue your education while raising a family? My motivation in continuing my education while raising my family was to prove to myself that I could be more than I thought I could be and to show my boys that they can do and be whatever they want to be. And if I don't do better for myself, meaning, doing something that I enjoy doing, furthering myself and my education, and showing myself that I can do something hard like going back to school, how can I do and be better for my boys? What challenges have you faced balancing school, parenting, and other responsibilities—and how have you overcome them? Some of the challenges that I have faced while being back in school and balancing parenting and other responsibilities is the time that I am away from my children and my family. I work full-time, am in school full-time, and still need to find time to study and be mom. I try to make the most of the time that I have with my boys. I learned the hard way that I need to be fully present with my children while I am in school or I miss things. I had to learn to say "No" to my job and take the time off that I needed to be there for my boys. I make sure that I am always there when my boys need me. I also have made sure that I have one day every week that is just for my family. This way I can ensure that no matter what is going on with school, work, or anything else, I have a day that we all know is our day.
What support systems or resources at FCC (or outside of FCC) have been most helpful to you? I'm really lucky that I have been blessed with an amazing support system in my mom and my sister. Without them, I really don't know what I would do. I have also really been supported by the professors within the nursing program and Honors program. They have been so incredible and supportive while I have been going through this program. FCC has also provided several supports, programs, and resources that have helped to take weights off and helped my boys and I while I have been at FCC. What advice would you give to other student parents who are considering going back to school? The advice that I would give parents who are thinking about going back to school would be to take the leap of faith and do it, you may just surprise yourself. I know I did. And don't let the fear of needing help stop you from going back to school. There are resources out there from scholarships, to loans, to assistance, to help with food or loaner computers. All you need to do is ask the question and there will be someone who will be able to help guide you through navigating resources and helping to provide for your family while you continue your education.
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Joel Ramirez

Student Parent

Hearing my boys talk about school inspired me to go back and get a degree, so I can improve my work life and provide a better future for my kids, family, and future kids.

Tell us about your journey to FCC. My journey to FCC began in 2016/2017. I came from Tuscarora High School to play soccer and transferred out of FCC. I was part of the 2016/17 men’s soccer team that was crowned co-champions under Coach Larocca. It's great to see that banner in the gym! I took a break from school to focus on my family, having my oldest son Sebastian and later joining the military, where I had another son, Josiah. Now, I’m back at FCC as an employee, excited to take advantage of the benefits and finish my education. My path has been a bit all over, but I’m happy to serve my community and continue my education. I’m glad to be back!
What motivated you to continue your education while raising a family? My two boys and my family motivate me to keep going. They always tell me it’s never too late to return to school. Hearing my boys talk about school inspired me to go back and get a degree, so I can improve my work life and provide a better future for my kids, family, and future kids. A wise pastor once told me, “The Lord never gives a battle you can’t handle.” That message reminds me to leave some things in His hands, knowing everything will work out in His grace. What challenges have you faced balancing school, parenting, and other responsibilities—and how have you overcome them? Balancing everything has been challenging, finding a babysitter, getting the boys to sports, organizing daily activities, and more. My secret is planning ahead. Every Sunday night, I prepare for the week, use my calendar, and organize everything in advance. This reduces stress and makes things easier. I also attend church on Sundays, where I ask for guidance and thank God for His help. Planning the boys’ outfits and lunches, and staying organized, helps me stay calm and focused. When things get tough, I remember to stay positive, plan ahead, and trust that everything will fall into place.
What support systems or resources at FCC (or outside of FCC) have been most helpful to you? I’m grateful for my chain of command, especially my Lieutenant, who’s been very supportive with shifts and opportunities. The FCC advising team has also been helpful with classes and schedules. They make everything easier.
What advice would you give to other student parents who are considering going back to school? To other student parents thinking about going back to school, Just do it! Don’t let age, time, or circumstances stop you. It’s not about how you start or what’s happened in the past; it’s about how you react and move forward. Take a leap of faith, use your family as motivation, and remember: “He gives His strongest soldiers the hardest battles.” Stay organized, plan ahead, and keep your family in mind. You’ll be proud when you graduate, just like they will be proud of you.
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Lyly Rene-Andre

Student Parent

FCC is a great place to be. All the help and support they offer makes it very easy.

Tell us about your journey to FCC. Growing up in Africa, my father was a medical doctor. All my life, I watched him at the hospital, doing surgeries, saving lives. I decided to come to America for school and I ended up meeting my husband and staying here. I always had that desire for a medical career, but I’m a mom so people told me medical billing and coding would be good for me because I could work from home. I've been working as a medical biller and coder for 10 years. But for 10 years, I always had a desire inside me saying, "You're not dealing with a patient. That's not what you want to do." So, 10 years later, I decided to do it. FCC kept popping up, I talked to friends that are coming here for the school. I came here, checked it out, and signed up. What motivated you to continue your education while raising a family? The desire to work in medicine, from my dad, and for my daughter too. I have a daughter with special needs that will always need a nurse. So it helps me, and it helps her.
What challenges have you faced balancing school, parenting, and other responsibilities—and how have you overcome them? I signed up for my classes late and I did my FAFSA late, so my financial aid didn't go early. I had to pay out of pocket for all my classes and I ran out of money for books. FCC gave me a scholarship to get free books, so I didn't have to worry about how I'm going to pay for my books and stuff. What support systems or resources at FCC (or outside of FCC) have been most helpful to you? There’s a lot of help here. If you need to talk to someone, you need to relax, all the help and support makes it very easy. You don't have to worry about stopping at the store after a class, you can just to go to CougarMart and pick up a few things for dinner. I’ve also used the Family Study Space here. Last year they closed my son’s school one day and I didn't know what to do with him and I had to study, so we came and he was playing with his toys and I got my work done.
What advice would you give to any other parents who are considering going back to school? Come here. It’s a great place to be and you have help, you have support, you have friends. It's like family.
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Manuela Caceres

Student Parent

It’s never too late to go back to school, no matter the age or even if it is one class, it’s all worth it in the end. Read more

Cristian Vidal

Student Parent

A few years after taking my first ESOL classes, I realized the need to go back to school and provide me and my family with a wider job opportunity to balance our family life. Read more

Courtney Crenshaw

Student Parent

Do this for you, you deserve it. Read more

Kate Hanson

Student Parent

As long as you are willing to take the chance, there really are no limits to the goals that can be achieved.

Why is school important to you? School is incredibly important because it provides opportunities, across the board. Not only can you attain knowledge via your studies, but you can make connections that foster both personal and professional growth. Higher education also shows the individual that no matter where you "are," there are always options for your future. As long as you are willing to take the chance, there really are no limits to the goals that can be achieved. Higher education offers a paradigm shift and consistently allows for out-of-the-box thinking, which can totally transform your world! Tell us about your journey to FCC. Coming back to school was a big decision for me, one that was full of careful consideration, uncertainty, anxiety, as well as excitement. But once I made the decision to officially "enroll," everything took off from there. I've been a student since summer of 2023 and looking to graduate this upcoming spring of 2025 with an A.A.S in paralegal/legal studies, and I couldn't be more excited!

I previously worked in behavioral health, with those navigating complex systems while coping with co-occurring disorders. A few years ago (after dealing with various personal and professional experiences) I felt drawn towards a focus on legal advocacy and opportunity, specifically assisting women and children. I'm hoping to work with mothers who are looking to build stability and create increasingly positive futures for not just themselves but for their families, as well. What would you tell a parent who is considering coming to FCC or returning to school in general and may be unsure? I would encourage that parent to try the door! You honestly don't know until you try. Regardless of the outcome and/or trajectory, you are getting to know yourself, identifying your goals, and learning along the way. I see it as a win-win. In addition, I would share the pleasure of being a parent-student and the unexpected joy that carries having little students of my own at home while being a student myself. I have two small children, and the power of learning in tandem via generational education and opportunity is profound, beyond measure! Read more

Devon Hall

Student Parent

I have come a long way and am so thankful that FCC has given me this opportunity to do this for myself and my son. Why is school important to you? School is important to me because it gives me the chance to excel personally, educationally, and within the workforce. It is an opportunity to challenge the way that we think, the way we connect with others, and the way that we tackle everyday life. There are so many stigmas around the education system, and I love how education impacts every area of your life for the better. Tell us about your journey to FCC. My journey at FCC has not been an easy one, yet it has shown me that perseverance can bring you a long way in anything that you do. When I started this journey in 2017, I was single, working two jobs, walking over an hour to work and school every single day. If funds were ever available after paying rent, internet, food, etc., I would take the bus. I wanted this so bad, but even in the midst of anxiety and depression and at the time undiagnosed ADHD, I felt like I was drowning and could not keep up, especially when covid hit.

I took a break for a while, until I knew that I could do this full-on and push through whatever life had thrown at me. Along the way there was always help from FCC staff. Whether it was visiting the health and wellness department for counseling, professors doing their best to work with me, but still knowing that at the end of the day it was my choice on whether or not I would succeed. So, thank you to Professor Anne Hoffman on the support during that time, even though I had you twice for ENGL101 (covering my face right now from embarrassment); to Professor Ljubic for checking in with me and providing the support needed when I decided to come back; this is when I passed ENGL101 taking it for a third time. Academic advising (Jennifer Ward) and Parents Lead (Jeniffer Leonard) have all played a serious role in my success.

I have always wanted to continue my education and work within the health field serving others. It is a core passion of mine that throughout my life, I had to learn that even in serving others, boundaries still need to be set, and you still need to take care of yourself. Here I am a returning student and mother pushing full force to succeed and achieve all of my education goals! Education is key even in personal growth, and I see that every day! I have come a long way and am so thankful that FCC has given me this opportunity to do this for myself and my son. To go from academic suspension for a few years to it being lifted, speaks volumes for me personally. What would you tell a parent who is considering coming to FCC or returning to school in general and may be unsure? It is not going to be easy, as nothing in life is. I will say though that with the right support system it is possible. At times you may feel guilty that you are focusing on a homework assignment instead of reading a book to your child, or coloring with them on the sidewalk with chalk, but take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for you, which ultimately is for them! Many times, I have to take a deep breath and remember the why; the why behind why you need to do this vs. the why behind you wanting to do this.

There are multiple resources on campus if you are ever in need of support. Student Success, Parents Lead, academic advisors and even Disability Access Services- these are all resources that I use currently and some that I have had to use in the past. As a parent, whether you are doing this alone or with a significant other, FCC prides itself in making sure you are not alone in this journey even in moments when you feel you are. Trust me, if I can do this, you can definitely do this, and remember that even if you are unsure, there is a time and a place in everything we do; just because it may not be today, it does not make you a failure.
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