With the proper tools anything is possible

by Makayla Secrist Staff Writer

Being a single parent is difficult. Caring for children even with ample support from a partner or spouse is one of the most challenging aspects of life any person can take on. Still a good parent will also explain it’s one of the most rewarding jobs in existence and well worth all the sleepless nights and trouble.

So what happens when a single parent wants to go back to school and earn a degree? What challenges do they face? How can Iowa Lakes Community College help?

“I would say Iowa Lakes is very supportive regardless whether you have kids or not,” said Leticia Paulsen, single mother of two young boys of her own, “…when it comes to being a single parent and having kids, they’re more understanding and they’re more empathetic.”

Paulsen works at the business office full time at the Estherville campus and explained that she had even been able to bring her child to work with her if the need arose. She’s currently working on getting her generals out of the way, but has already gained the Administrative Assistant Associates of Applied Science.

“What I would recommend is looking into all the programs and seeing what will fit best,” said Paulsen, “…because I know some of the programs have activities outside of regular school hours so it’d be kind of hard to find a babysitter.”

Iowa Lakes provides a great variety of services to students from every walk of life. Anyone can take advantage of the programs they offer.

“We’re considered what’s called student services,” said Melissa Lutat a Career Pathway Navigator located in the TRIO office by the Estherville campus library, “so our job is to help you outside of the classroom… my part of it is helping put your education to work.”

Some of the programs Iowa Lakes offers include counseling services, anonymous reporting, tutoring, and career help like that Lutat works with students with.

“Let’s look at opportunities,” said Lutat, “what are the things that you could be doing, reaching out to? Who are people that can help you? Where’s the assistance lie? … There’s a lot of money to help you get off assistance.”

Lutat is a Air Force veteran. She was also a single parent during her time in the military and gained several Associates degrees before going on to where she is now, completing her doctorate in education, leadership, and management.

Lutat’s advice for single parents is, “If you can be a good parent, there’s no way you can’t be a good student.”

All the programs and degrees offered by Iowa Lakes can be found on their website at iowalakes.edu.