Balancing It All: A Student Parent’s Story
Balancing motherhood and coursework, Jessica Lescano reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a student parent, and the sense of purpose that has carried her through.
For 38-year-old mom of three, Jessica Lescano, the road to college has never been a straight line. "My academic journey has been ‘start and stop’ all throughout my life," she says. What finally brought her back was something bigger than a diploma: a calling to serve her community and the discipline to see it through.
Jessica is a current student at Johnston Community College, working toward her Associate of Arts degree before transferring into a bachelor's program in sociology. It's a field she didn't stumble into by chance. "What drew me to sociology is my passion for making change in the community and for families," she explains.
Finding Discipline in the Chaos
Jessica is honest about her struggles at the beginning of her time at JCC. "In the beginning of my first semester, it was chaotic," she admits. As a mother, she was used to pouring everything into her family, but nothing into herself. "Now, I pour into myself as I pour into my children," she says. She learned to let go of obligations that don't serve her and prioritized her self-care. That shift in mindset has become the foundation for her success.
Power of Community
Jessica credits much of her success to being part of the BOOST program. "Being a BOOST member is such a relief," she says. "There is great comfort in having a support system. Their team helps hold you accountable. They are not only staff, but friends — they see worth in us." She describes a level of care that goes beyond academics: invitations to events, genuine encouragement, and a team that shows up for students in ways she never expected.
That same network has helped her navigate one of the hardest parts of this chapter; parenting a college-age son while also being a student herself. "My biggest challenge as a student parent is being a parent of a college student," she says, "and learning how to hand over my son to the programs that are able to assist him." Jessica was accustomed to speaking on her son's behalf and protecting him at every turn, so letting that go hasn't been easy. Luckily, BOOST has given her peace of mind. "They just give me this great sense of comfort that they will not misguide him" she says.
Advice to Other Parents
Jessica's message to other parents considering returning to the classroom is simple, but earnest: "If you feel the desire inside of you, just do it. Know it will not be perfect, know it will not be easy. We have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of anyone else, and that is so hard to realize as a parent. So, take action, enroll in the class. Be transparent about what you can handle, and allow the advisors to help you make adjustments and point you to the programs available to help you on campus."
The Meaning of a Degree
For Jessica, this degree is more than just a credential; it's a fulfillment of purpose. "My degree looks like answered prayers," she says. "Knowing my passion has arisen, knowing that I’m making changes and breaking generational curses…not only for my family, but I'll be able to help other families and communities."
Jessica isn't just earning a degree, she's rewriting what's possible for her family, one semester at a time. Her determination doesn't come at the expense of her kids; it comes from her love for them. In showing up for herself, she's showing her children exactly what it looks like to chase your dreams. Jessica proves that it's never too late to start, stop, and start again, as long as you keep choosing yourself along the way.
