Ashley, 24 – Hartford, CT

In the most simplest virtual way I can explain what has been the most challenging for me is the different roles that I play during this difficult time and how hard it is to balance. I am a single mother to a toddler, a college student, and a program assistant for my job Jumpstart Hartford. All these different roles that I am are very mentally and physically draining.

During the first week of quarantine I said to myself this is going to be easy. My game plan was to simply cater to my son during the day while multitasking going on tiktok and do my social media postings for my job (@JumpstartHartford) because that is how I am able to provide the necessities of clothes and food for us. Then when I put him to bed at 8pm that was going to be the time I was going to dedicate to my work and school work.

I go to Capital Community college and I major is Social services. Taking 4 classes online since covid19 has been the biggest challenge I have ever endured academically. Here we are almost 4-5 weeks in and I’ve spent my early mornings of 2am doing my school work and the closest time I get to myself is when I lock the door to take a shower.

Not that I am complaining of my roles because I am very grateful that we are safe and healthy but I believe ideas that can help address the issues of stress and the mental aspect of how hard it can be being a single parent or even just a student there should be more virtual therapy programs at an affordable price to help calm those who might be in desire stress.

Luckily I do have the strength to wake up every day and live for myself so my son can have a good future. I think a lot of people don’t realize how hard it is to be a parent because your always living for your child and not living for yourself but as I write this while my son is playing with cookie monster living his best life without any worries that whoever reads this has an open mind and heart to take my words into consideration.

Ashley, 24 – Hartford, ct

In the most simplest virtual way I can explain what has been the most challenging for me is the different roles that I play during this difficult time and how hard it is to balance. I am a single mother to a toddler, a college student, and a program assistant for my job Jumpstart Hartford. All these different roles that I am are very mentally and physically draining.

During the first week of quarantine I said to myself this is going to be easy. My game plan was to simply cater to my son during the day while multitasking going on tiktok and do my social media postings for my job (@JumpstartHartford) because that is how I am able to provide the necessities of clothes and food for us. Then when I put him to bed at 8pm that was going to be the time I was going to dedicate to my work and school work.

I go to Capital Community college and I major is Social services. Taking 4 classes online since covid19 has been the biggest challenge I have ever endured academically. Here we are almost 4-5 weeks in and I’ve spent my early mornings of 2am doing my school work and the closest time I get to myself is when I lock the door to take a shower.

Not that I am complaining of my roles because I am very grateful that we are safe and healthy but I believe ideas that can help address the issues of stress and the mental aspect of how hard it can be being a single parent or even just a student there should be more virtual therapy programs at an affordable price to help calm those who might be in desire stress.

Luckily I do have the strength to wake up every day and live for myself so my son can have a good future. I think a lot of people don’t realize how hard it is to be a parent because your always living for your child and not living for yourself but as I write this while my son is playing with cookie monster living his best life without any worries that whoever reads this has an open mind and heart to take my words into consideration.