Balancing work, school and parenting is no small feat. Late-night study sessions, overlapping commitments, moments of self-doubt — and even the occasional baby-related mess — are all part of the experience. For students like Ashley Mack in Boise State University’s online cyber operations and resilience program, this is the reality they navigate every day.
Earning a degree while raising a family takes determination, adaptability and perseverance. Despite exhaustion, stress and the urge to give up, student-parents like Mack press on, motivated by their goals and the desire to build a better future for their families.
A new direction for the future
Mack’s path to higher education was born from a desire to increase her family’s quality of life. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced daycare closures and left many families facing uncertainty, Mack found herself at a crossroads.
“I can’t work anymore because someone must watch the kids,” she said.
That turning point led her to stay home and pursue a new direction: education. In January 2021, she applied to Boise State University. By September, she was accepted and began working on her general education requirements. While at Boise State, her interest in cybersecurity grew.
At the time, Mack believed Boise State did not offer an online cybersecurity program, so she transferred to another institution. However, the lack of structure and support left her feeling disconnected.
“To succeed in my education, I knew I had to get back on track as soon as possible,” she explained.
When she learned Boise State had launched a new cyber operations program, she returned and enrolled in the cyber operations and resilience program in September 2023.
“No matter how hard it gets, I am not going to stop. I will do whatever it takes to be successful in cybersecurity and make a better life for us.”
Resilience in every role
One of her biggest challenges hasn’t just been academics — it’s the emotional weight of balancing school and family.
“Earning a bachelor’s degree and being a parent requires a lot of resilience,” she said. “Balancing roles of parenting and being a student is extremely challenging.”
Mack describes it as a constant juggling act, often accompanied by guilt. “Even when I am in the zone with homework, I still have to give attention to the kids and my husband and sometimes I feel like we don’t get the time together I want to have.”
Her coursework often starts after 7:30 p.m. and continues into the early morning, sometimes as late as one or two a.m. With so much to manage, planning ahead is a luxury, and she fits in tasks whenever and wherever possible.
Despite the demands, Mack’s educational journey has made a significant impact on her children.
“Anytime they see my computer, they know I’m doing homework,” she shared.
Watching her study has been a valuable lesson for them, providing them with a blueprint for the process of hard work and perseverance. She admits there are moments when the weight of it all feels overwhelming. Last semester, she faced one of her toughest challenges: being hospitalized for a high-risk pregnancy while finals loomed. Despite the circumstances, she completed her assignments from the hospital and maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Recognizing motivated parents
The online format of the cyber operations and resilience program helps parents balance school, work and family life. With asynchronous classes, students can complete assignments after their kids are asleep or while they’re at school. The flexibility of learning from home also eliminates the need to commute, giving that time back for parenting, work or rest.
Each course runs for seven weeks, with a built-in break between sessions, providing students time to recharge before beginning the next class.
The program recognizes that career and academic growth doesn’t pause for parenthood. With the right support, motivation and perseverance, these parents prove that career advancement is possible.
Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program
Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.
Cyber Operations and Resilience News
Written by Keith Forland