In honor of Mother’s Day coming up, the WVU Marketing Communications Online Programs wanted to take a moment to highlight a couple of our mothers currently working toward their master’s degree. Meet Katie and Whitney:
Katie Alexander
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
Mother's Day means hitting the pause button, pulling back and reflecting on all that I've gotten to do with and for my girls this year. It's a moment to be thankful for the opportunity to be a mother and gives me pause to think about all the women out there that have that hope.
How have you handled the workload of a master’s program?
WVU's master's programs are no joke! It pushes you to think critically, work hard and stretch yourself into new directions. Combining that with motherhood is quite the challenge but it's a challenge that will make an impact. While I'm not done yet, it's already one of the most rewarding things I've pushed myself to do and something I know my girls will be proud of one day.
What recommendations do you have for other mother’s considering a master’s degree?
Don't hesitate to keep growing. Parents know real challenge and there's no better challenge with a better payoff than this. Invest in yourself!
Whitney Humphrey
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
My thoughts and feelings on Mother’s Day have changed over time. I’m lucky enough to still have my mom and I’ve been blessed with two daughters of my own, and I deeply value those relationships. However, I’ve seen women in various relationships, such as stepmothers, foster moms, aunts, cousins, older sisters, or even friends, play the role of “mom,” and those relationships are just as important. So now, I see Mother’s Day as more of a celebration of women and the roles we play in nurturing the next generation, even if those children are not biologically our own.
How have you handled the workload of a master’s program?
The workload is something I weighed heavily before enrolling in IMC. I didn’t know how I could handle work, kids and school, but my husband is incredibly supportive and helpful. I tell him what I need to do for the week and how he can help me and he always comes through. He sees my pursuit of a Master’s degree as an investment in our family so he is eager to support me however possible. That might mean he has to take on some of the things I usually do around the house or with our kids, but we have all adjusted. The kids think it’s funny that mommy goes to school too!
What recommendations do you have for other mother’s considering a master’s degree?
DO IT! So often as moms, we forget to invest in ourselves. Society tells us there is only one way to be a mother, and that is to put everyone else ahead. But it doesn’t have to always be that way! Mothers are just as smart, capable, and motivated as anyone else, and that’s really all you need to be successful in this program! Take two years to elevate yourself, your career, your passions, your dreams. A happy and fulfilled mom means happy and fulfilled kids.
Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!