Our Master's student Isabelle Meijer, MSc Business Development, gave birth to her daughter Mia in the second year of her part-time studies and took a semester off to do so. After just six months, she resumed her studies and plans to return to work next year. Her big goal is to graduate on time, despite the many new challenges that motherhood brings, so that she can attend the graduation ceremony with her fellow students.
Between Baby and Books – Studying Successfully with a Child
‘If everything goes according to plan, I'll finish my master's degree this year – that's my big goal that I'm working towards!’ Isabelle tells us confidently. ‘My everyday life is a colourful mix of baby time, studying and little breaks. I plan a lot in advance and have become much more flexible. I often do something for my studies when Mia is asleep and use every free minute. Of course, there are stressful days, but overall it works well – I'm growing with the challenge.’
In order to provide Isabelle with the best possible support and encouragement during her pregnancy and after the birth, and to make her return to her studies easier, the HSBA accommodated her in many areas, for example by making deadlines for assignments as flexible as possible and providing her with encouragement and support during her semester off. Her fellow students were also a great support: ‘The staff, lecturers and fellow students at HSBA were always understanding and a great help. I felt really well looked after – both professionally and personally.’
But of course, being pregnant while studying and working wasn't always easy for Isabelle: ‘It was definitely a balancing act! The last phase of pregnancy was particularly difficult – long days of lectures and exams took a lot of energy. But I always tried to stay calm and take things step by step. Good organisation, lots of support from those around me and the awareness that things don't always have to be perfect helped me a lot. And, of course, the little moments of success, which are incredibly motivating.’
Petra Ehrhorn from the Master's team and Carina Tillack-Reese from the HSBA Examination Office are delighted that Isabelle's return has gone so smoothly: ‘We make every effort to take the individual circumstances of our students into account. After all, a good university should not only impart knowledge, but also create spaces where students can develop and unfold their personalities. We are very happy for Isabelle Meijer and proud to be able to accompany her on her journey.’
And for all expectant mothers and fathers who find themselves in a similar situation, Isabelle has some words of encouragement: ‘Be brave and have faith in yourselves! There will be moments when everything seems too much – but with a good network, lots of support from your partner, family and friends, and a healthy dose of self-confidence, you can achieve more than you think. And remember to celebrate the small steps – it helps enormously!’