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To all moms considering returning to school later in their careers, know that it is absolutely possible and can be an incredibly rewarding journey. Last month, I graduated from Suffolk University Law School with my 11-month-old daughter on my hip. Reflecting on the past three years, I truly believe that becoming a mom during law school made me a better law student. Here's why.
Mastering Multitasking and Time Management
As a law student, or student at any level, there's never a shortage of readings, papers, and deadlines. Add a newborn to the mix, and you have a full plate. Motherhood taught me to prioritize like never before. Balancing feeding schedules, nap times, and preparing to be on-call for class, you learn quickly to cut out the non-essential. My daughter's needs made me an expert at managing my time. The moments I carved out for studying were intensely focused and productive because I knew that my attention needed to be on her once she woke up.
Embracing Efficiency
One of the greatest lessons my daughter taught me was efficiency. All I want is to spend time with her, witness her firsts, and watch her grow. This desire pushed me to streamline my work. I became laser-focused during study sessions, using every spare minute to its fullest potential. Rather than getting bogged down by the minutiae that once seemed so crucial, I learned to hone in on the essentials, making my study time far more effective.
Perspective on the Bigger Picture
School can sometimes feel all-consuming, with every assignment, case and exam carrying what feels like the weight of the world. But motherhood provided a refreshing perspective. When you have a child, the small stuff doesn't seem as important. The stress of a demanding professor or teacher calling on you during class or preparing for a particularly dense exam pales in comparison to the responsibility of raising a child. This shift in perspective helped me stay calm and focused, reducing anxiety and helping me perform better academically.
A New Sense of Purpose
Motherhood gave me a sense of direction that I hadn't known before. My daughter has become my "why" for everything I do. This purpose fueled my passion for law, especially in areas that could directly impact families like ours. This newfound passion led me to establish my new venture Trustie, a platform designed to make legal guardianship and estate planning less stressful and more accessible and affordable for new parents.
Happiness and Fulfillment
For me, there is an incomparable joy that comes with motherhood; my daughter brings happiness into every aspect of my life. I never thought I would be someone who LOVES being a mom, but it's genuinely made me a more fulfilled person in every respect. Happy people are more productive and creative, which is true for me. The fulfillment I’ve found in being a mom translated into a positive, growth mindset that was invaluable during the rigors of law school.
Founding Trustie
Without the experience of becoming a mother during law school, Trustie would not exist today. Faced with the daunting task of estate planning, I realized how overwhelming and inaccessible it could be for many new parents, even for someone in law school. This personal challenge sparked the idea for Trustie, a product designed to help parents like myself secure their children's futures easily and affordably, starting with designating a legal guardian for their children.
Graduating from law school while raising my daughter was not easy, but it was worth every sleepless night and stressful day. Motherhood didn't just get me through law school; it made me a better, more focused, and purpose-driven law student. Sharing this journey with my daughter has been everything, and I'm grateful for how motherhood has shaped my experience.
To all the moms contemplating grad school, or just going back to school in general…go for it. The skills you've honed through motherhood — patience, multitasking, prioritization, and an unwavering sense of purpose — are invaluable assets that will help you succeed.
My daughter inspired this venture, and the drive to protect her and other children motivated me. You can do this, and the experience can be transformative for you and your children.
I am so proud to think my daughter will only ever know her mama as an attorney.
