Preparing for the future

Jolina St. Pierre, a senior majoring in public relations, is cramming for tests and lugging around a backpack that's overflowing with responsibility. She has a full-time school load, copious amounts of homework and an internship with Journal Communications in Franklin, Tenn.

But Jolina, 37, isn't like most college students. She has a 10-year-old daughter living with her on campus in Womack Lane Apartments.

Originally Jolina attended Chaffey Community College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., but dropped out because she was juggling too many jobs – even though she'd maintained a 4.0 GPA.

She spent 15 years after high school graduation performing various jobs in retail, the fast food industry and customer service. At one point she almost made it back to school full time but the costs of her upcoming marriage delayed her return.

"It felt like something was missing and it was time for a change," Jolina explained.

It wasn't until she moved to Tennessee in 2006 and started taking classes at Columbia State Community College that she gained the momentum to pursue a degree in mass communication and a career that would alter her and her daughter's lives forever.

So far, the process of obtaining her college degree has proved to be a life-changing experience.

"I'm finally getting that college experience – I'm older and wiser, but my priorities are different so I think I take education more seriously than other students," Jolina said. "I made sacrifices to finish my education, and because of that, my daughter has gained more appreciation for school."

When Jolina and Jenna moved into on-campus housing a year ago, Jolina noticed a change in her daughter's study habits. Jenna started applying herself more in school and showing enthusiasm for her future career. Living on a college campus seems to motivate her more than anything, Jolina said.

As a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, Jolina attends meetings throughout the school year and takes Jenna along for the experience, hoping the collegiate atmosphere might encourage her daughter to excel even more in school.

"I love living here," Jenna announced proudly. "I think I want to go to MTSU when I get older – or Yale, like Rory Gilmore from the TV show Gilmore Girls."

Settling for a position within a company that couldn't provide any opportunities for promotion or further development wasn't an option, Jolina said.

"I was over the fact that there was nowhere to go, but I didn't want to sit on the phone and listen to people yell at me all day," Jolina admitted. "I never really figured out what I wanted to do, and I knew if I could just get back into school and start chipping away at those core classes, then I could have the opportunity to advance."

Now, Jolina leads a duel life as a Dean's List student and dedicated parent. She said her biggest sacrifice in her pursuits is forfeiting time with Jenna. Once you have kids there are dance recitals and soccer practices – life doesn't necessarily slow down, she added.

"It's hard for me because I have to make sure Jenna's doing what she needs to do," Jolina said. "I have a child, so I can't just go lay out at the pool."

With one more year of school ahead she sees the finish line as a long-awaited achievement.

While MTSU is no Stars Hollow, Jolina said living on a college campus is a great place for a mother and daughter to reside because it's safe and very convenient.

"Everything Jenna and I need is right here on campus," she gushed. "This is home."