Going Back to School as a Mom: Real Stories from Real Penn Foster Grads
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For many moms, the thought of going back to school might seem like a distant or unrealistic dream. With everything going on in life, how can you actually make time to study? Is it even possible? But you know what? Your dreams don’t have an expiration date and it’s never too late to go back and start something new. In this blog, you'll hear from real moms and Penn Foster grads who went back to school while balancing work, raising kids, and living their lives.
“I did it for my kids”
For many Penn Foster moms, their kids were a big motivator, whether it was to provide them with a better future or show them that they could accomplish their goals someday, too!
“I have never pictured myself as a person who goes back to school or any sort of college,” said Devon, a 2025 Penn Foster graduate. “Something inside me told me to go and take this course through Penn foster. With the help of my family, I was able to make this come true. It was a challenge, but I am so proud to have made it through. One step closer to following my dream. I have 3 amazing kiddos I wanted to do this for, as well as myself.”
Bethany, a 2024 graduate felt the same. She said that being able to complete her Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree through Penn Foster has been a huge accomplishment. “Not only did I do this for me and my career,” she said, “I did this for my kids. They were the main driving focus that helped push me to succeed with what I set out to do!”
And, even though it took her a little while to get there, graduate Lidia was determined to eventually reach her goals and show her kids anything is possible. She said, “I used to think I was too old to accomplish my goals, but this is only the beginning. My next step is to continue my education, better myself, and build a better future for my children.”
Some grads, like mom and medical assistant, Angela, just wanted to show her kids that what you put into something matters. She said, “As a mother of 3 beautiful daughters, I am proud to show them that hard work pays off!”
Read more: A Busy Mom's Guide to Going Back to School
“I realized it’s never too late”
It’s no surprise that a lot of Penn Foster moms prioritized raising their kids and put them first – but they also realized that it’s never too late to go back and work toward a goal or a dream.
One example is Nykia, a mom, grandma, and 2024 Penn Foster graduate. “I thought to myself, Nykia, it’s not too late to go back to get your education,” she shared. “Let your kids see you go back and knock the goal out. Set an example, be the example! And I did it! I achieved every obstacle that once was in my way. Now I feel like a ball of fire, ready to burn up everything that once scared me! I’m here to tell you, it’s never too late. Go for it and become your best self.”
Terry, another 2024 graduate, also decided it was time to take a chance on herself and go back – even though it’d be years since she was in school. “Despite the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother, I realized there was something important missing: a sense of personal achievement. You see, I had always put my family first, but deep down, I yearned to prove to herself and my children that it's never too late to pursue your dreams,” Terry said. “With determination burning in my heart, I made the bold decision to return to school, years after my peers had graduated. It wasn't an easy choice. Balancing family commitments, work, and studying seemed like an impossible feat. But I was driven by a desire to show my children the power of perseverance and the importance of education.”
Read more: 6 Tips for Going Back to College or Career School as an Adult
“I overcame challenges and made it”
Sometimes, life throws everything it can your way hoping you’ll stumble, but these graduates continued forward, pushing toward their goals and carving a path that can inspire their children – and other students – to follow!
Kumari, a 2024 grad, for example, had a few challenges come her way when she was a Penn Foster student. “When I started Penn Foster, I was going through a divorce and taking care of six kids,” she said. “I was trying to work and go to school at the same time, and it was hard. I had to take a break when my ex-husband passed away because leaving our six kids without a dad was hard. I came back to school stronger, and I know my kids' dad would be proud of me for finishing my dream. I am currently working in a hospital, attending culinary school, and taking care of our beautiful babies.”
And sometimes, challenges aren’t huge hurdles; they’re just the little things that happen every day that can be hard to overcome. 2025 graduate Amanda shared that she learned to balance the struggles of work, motherhood, and school. “I went to get my diploma so I can show my kids that no matter what the world throws at you,” she said, “that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
Read more: 9 Best Careers for the Future
“The flexibility of online school made a difference”
For a lot of Penn Foster moms, the flexibility and self-paced nature of online school was what really allowed them to balance prioritizing their children while still striving for success.
“Many thanks to Penn Foster,” said Ann, a 2025 Penn Foster graduate, “for allowing me the flexibility to be able to complete this program while working a full-time job and taking care of my teenage daughter. I’m so excited to see where this career will take me!”
Self-paced classes and flexibility mean that you can study and take exams around your schedule, not when the school decides you should. For many students, like graduate Kourtney, that can be a big deal. “I am a working mom who works full-time,” she said. “I completed my degree at night once everyone was asleep. It is what drove me to finish.”
For single mom Brittany, self-paced courses made earning her medical billing and coding diploma possible. “This experience made taking classes, working, and being a single mom of two children easier than I could have ever imagined,” Brittany said. “Being able to pace myself and test when I was ready made getting my diploma easy and simple. I would recommend Penn Foster to anyone who asked and I would take classes through them at any point!"
Read more: Your Guide to a Midlife Career Change
Your time is now
Whether you want to show your kids anything is possible, fulfill a lifelong goal, or pursue a career that can help you better provide for yourself and your family, there’s no better time than now to take that first step toward your goals. Still not sure if school is the right move for you and have more questions? Check out this guide to going back to school as an adult or call to chat with our Admissions Specialists today at 1.800.275.4410!
