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- Mnotho Ngcobo
Balancing parenthood with law school
Georgia Turner, whose youngest child was born between her first and second semester of her 1L year, shows off her Brandeis baby bag.
Life happens in law school.
So says Brandeis Assistant Dean for Student Services Jennifer DiSanza.
And sometimes, new life happens in law school.
That's why DiSanza, along with Professor Jamie Abrams, started the "Brandeis Babies" program.
When a Brandeis student or their partner has a baby, they're given a goody bag full of Brandeis baby gear: onesies, a rattle, bottle, hat and blanket.
"The students having the babies are very appreciative," DiSanza said.
But supporting parents in law school goes beyond baby gifts.
For new and seasoned parents alike, "The hardest thing is the balance," DiSanza said. "Obviously, the children come first, so prioritizing school is very hard to do."
The support of a community can make all the difference for parents struggling with full schedules.
That's where PALS comes in.
PALS, an acronym for Parents Attending Law School, is a group of about 25 students who support each other in various ways. Members can sign up for a snow-day babysitter list so that parents whose children are home from school because of weather can still attend class. And there are plans to designate a family-friendly room at the law school that can function as a play area for children or private space for nursing mothers. The group also is planning a family meet and greet at orientation.
Georgia Turner, a rising 2L with a baby and a toddler, leads the group.
"Being a parent in law school is kind of hilarious," she said. "You're always going to be stressed out and you're usually going to be a mess."
Pursuing a legal education while being a present and active parent is a tough balance.
"There's a lot of guilt but a lot of motivation," Turner said.
But her experience has also taught her the valuable skills of time management.
"There's nothing like trying to have a career, go to school and be a parent at the same time," she said. "It gives you a real-world grasp of how to manage your time and your priorities. That's a skill that comes with either age or wisdom or parenthood."
