Paying Tribute to Pregnant and Parenting Students in College.

I finished my BS in biology in 2006, gave birth to twins as a surrogate mother one month later, and was subsequently accepted to the MPH program in early 2007.

After finishing my first semester as a full-time grad student with "A's" across the board while working 20 hours per week, I am more proud than ever to have chosen the path that I did.  We have made it this far, and will continue to make it.  I currently am planning on pursuing a PhD in epidemiology when my MPH program is completed.  I believe that my experiences and education will help in research and in analyzing the programs and policies that are currently in place to encourage the health of women, children, and families.

If you are looking to attend college or grad school as a mother or single mother, find a mentor, find someone who has been there, find someone to tell your story to, and network!

 Get out there and meet people, and don't be afraid to ask to have coffee together.  Not everyone will have interests right up your alley, but almost everyone can help you continue in the direction you would like to go.

----------------Ericka Fuchs

Erika Fuchs is a 24 year old MPH candidate in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.  She lives in Minneapolis with her almost-5 year old son, who loves to tell jokes and beat his mom at Monopoly Junior.