Tips For A Successful And Stress-Free Experience

The start of a new school year may seem far away, but the reality is now is the time to start preparing for Fall 2026 if you’re thinking about going to college.

Community colleges are already accepting applications, and registration for fall classes often begins around April. If you’re considering attending college, now is the time to submit an application and begin the process. Each college has its own deadlines, so it’s important to check the website or call the admissions office for the specific dates.

For many mothers, the thought of starting—or returning to—college can feel overwhelming. I understand this deeply because I lived it myself.

I began my community college journey as a teen mother, first-generation college student, and someone with very limited resources. At the time, the only childcare help I had was from my mom once a week from 7–10 PM, which meant I could only take one class per semester during those hours.

Because of this, it took me 11 years to complete community college.

At times, I felt discouraged seeing other students move faster than I was. But I kept going—one class at a time. Eventually, I transferred to the University of La Verne, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later my Master’s degree in Educational Counseling.

That journey is what inspired me to start the Sister Angel Foundation for Education (SAFE). I never wanted another mother to feel alone in the process of trying to build a better life through education.

One of the biggest challenges we see is that when mothers decide to return to school, they often believe they must be full-time students while also working full-time and raising children.

Unfortunately, this combination is often not sustainable.

Many moms are working incredibly hard in jobs that don’t provide opportunities for advancement. They see positions they know they could do well in—but those jobs require education or training they don’t yet have. College can open doors to better careers, stability, and opportunities for their families.

But trying to balance full-time work, full-time school, and parenting responsibilities can quickly lead to burnout. This is one of the reasons many mothers drop out of college.

What we don’t talk about enough is another option:

Taking one class at a time.

Many people worry that taking one class will take forever. But the reality is that one class can be manageable when you are working full-time and raising children.

There’s a quote that captures this perfectly:

People tend to overestimate what they can accomplish in one year and underestimate what they can accomplish in five.

One class may not seem like much in the moment—but those classes add up. Over time, you move closer to completing a certificate, earning a degree, or transferring to a university.

Another challenge mothers face is the pressure to attend school full-time because of financial aid or programs like EOPS that provide additional support. These programs can be incredibly helpful, but it’s important to also be realistic about what is sustainable.

If a student takes on too many classes and struggles to keep up because of work and family responsibilities, they may not pass their courses or maintain the required completion rate. This can result in losing financial aid eligibility, which can make continuing school even more difficult.

Sometimes the best path is the one that allows you to succeed, even if it takes a little longer.

At SAFE, we believe education should work with your life—not against it.

For many mothers, success in college means building their education step by step, at a pace that allows them to balance school, work, and family responsibilities.

If you’ve been thinking about going to college, this is the time to start preparing for Fall 2026. Submit your application, explore your options, and connect with a counselor who can help you create a plan.

You don’t have to do it all at once.

You just have to start.

Because when mothers pursue education, they change the future for their entire family.