In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of continuing education while juggling motherhood and career responsibilities is nothing short of a heroic act. It is a path filled with sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and moments of self-doubt, yet it is also a journey of resilience, focus, and the relentless pursuit of self-betterment. As one who has gone through a previous Master of Arts Programme in International Relations and Diplomacy at the same University of Ghana, a programme I did not complete as a result of the demands of my job and motherhood, I find myself in a good place to share my experience of surmounting the same challenges after enrolling into a Master of Arts programme at the University of Ghana Business School, a journey that resulted in me becoming a Valedictorian of the School of Graduate Studies. To God be the glory.
The Challenge of Wearing Multiple Hats
As a mother your first hurdle is to give your children the best life possible. As a career professional, your ambition drives you to excel and make an impact. And as a student, the thirst for knowledge and self-improvement pushes you to keep going, despite the odds. Combining these three roles is not for the faint-hearted—it requires careful time management, an unshakable will, and the ability to prioritize without guilt.
There were countless days when exhaustion set in, when my children and family needed my attention just as a crucial deadline for my role at work loomed, and my academic obligations demanded unwavering focus. The guilt of missing a school event / discussion group activity or cutting short my sleep time and night phone calls to complete an assignment was overwhelming. But in these moments, I always reminded myself why I started: to create a better future, not just for myself, but for my family.
The Motivation to Keep Going
What kept me going through this demanding period was a deep-seated belief that education is a powerful tool for transformation. It is the gateway to opportunities and the bridge between dreams and reality. I knew that by pushing through the hardships, I was setting an example for my children—that perseverance, no matter how tough, always leads to a reward.
Friends and work colleagues who encouraged me, mentors who guided me, and even family members who offered a helping hand when the pressure mounted were all part of my journey. For any mother walking this path, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for success.
Sacrifices and Lessons Learned
Indeed I have learned that nothing great comes without sacrifice. There were countless times I had to forego the parties, the hangouts, cut down on leisure activities sometimes at the expense of my children and master the art of efficiency just to fit everything into 24 hours. However, every sacrifice made was an investment in a brighter future.
One of the greatest lessons I learned was that resilience is built in the moments of struggle. Every challenge, every late-night Zoom call group study session, and all sacrifices strengthened my resolve.
A Call to All Career and Single Mothers
To every career mother and single mother out there who dreams of advancing their education, building a thriving career, and giving their children the best life—know this: your dreams are valid. The road will not be easy, but the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
Do not let fear, societal expectations, or the weight of your responsibilities hold you back. Seek support, plan strategically, and believe in your capacity to overcome. The journey may be tough, but the transformation that awaits you on the other side is worth it.
No matter the impediments, embrace the challenge and keep pushing forward. The future is yours to shape.
Thank you Jesus for seeing me through this journey. Thank you to the University of Ghana Business School, Thank you to my parents Rev. and Mrs Adunyame, A big thank you to my children Adrian and Bassam, Thank you to my Channel One TV and Citi FM family and all the members of my study group.
