That sounds crazy, right? Who in their right mind would shame somebody for getting an education? Everyone seems supportive of you going to school as a mom, before you're actually... in school.

Let me give some background on this topic so others can understand. So, I'm a mom of a three year old, but I am also 20 years old. I am the typical college age student. So, most likely I am the same age as you. For the almost three years I have been in college, there have been more people judging me than not. There have also been amazing people giving me support throughout college, and that never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

The looks myself, and others, get in class when we talk about our children is nuts. It's almost like we have to say it twice for it to get through other students head's that we do in fact take care of mini humans. Yes, we are parents, but that does not define us. Like I said before, I am most likely the same age as you. I am still twenty years old, so why are you looking at me different because I have a child. SURPRISE! That's what happens when you have sex. You have children. SURPRISE AGAIN! YOU'RE HAVING SEX TOO.

I was in a meeting on campus at the beginning of the semester, and we were talking about our classes and such, just casual conversation. Then a guy described how he didn't like his night class, so he switched out of it. That's normal, and I didn't even think twice about it until he decides to tell us why. He then goes on to say something to the effect of, "I didn't know anybody in the class, and it was full of baby mammas." (He put emphasis on the baby mamma reasoning.)

Okay.. Now you have my attention. I just looked at my friends and said, "It's me. I'm the baby mamma thats in those night classes." I know he didn't intentionally mean to be rude, but umm... hello we're all here for the same reason? Why does it matter that there are moms in night classes? The fact that me being a mom could, in any way, deter someone from taking a course really just blows my mind. If I didn't go to college, I would be judged because my son "deserves better." It's not fair to judge me for going to school when I would also be judged for doing the opposite. Again, I am the same age as you. We are in the same group meeting, so obviously we have at least something in common. Even if we didn't have anything in common, never underestimate the ability to learn something from someone who is nothing like you.

I am more than just a mom. I amintelligent, reliable, uplifting, confident, optimistic, determined, annnnd a college student. Just. Like. You.