Shocker Parent-Student: Mason

At 35, Mason is a proud father of a 13-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. His journey into parenthood began while he was working as an arborist, a role that ignited his enduring passion for trees and tree biology. Within five years of climbing trees and immersing himself in nature, Mason discovered he was about to become a father. To meet his growing financial responsibilities, he transitioned into the aircraft manufacturing industry. After 11 years in this field, Mason sought a career that would bring him personal fulfillment.

Mason is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, focusing on ecological, environmental, and organismal studies. He is excited to merge his love for the environment with his academic pursuits. Along with his academic commitments, he currently works part-time at a brewery in Wichita. On the rare days he has downtime, Mason enjoys hanging out with friends, playing cards, hiking, discussing movies, and listening to music. He also likes to read the works of Stephen King and Kurt Vonnegut.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a student parent?

I wish the days were longer. Time is incredibly valuable, and I often feel like I have so little of it. With my obligations to school—reading, writing, testing, and researching—combined with work, paying bills, ensuring the kids are fed and clean, overseeing their homework, and getting them to bed and school on time, plus laundry, cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning the house, my schedule is packed. I truly desire an extra eight hours in the day. Beyond all these duties, I also want to unwind with my children and create lasting memories together. Balancing everything is quite a challenge.

What kind of support systems do you have in place (e.g., family, friends, daycare)?

I consider myself extremely lucky to have a strong support system made up of friends and family.

How do you balance the demands of your academic responsibilities with those of being a parent?

You have to take time to make time. This is the only approach that works for me. I adhere to a strict schedule that I’ve created. I allocate specific time for my school assignments, quality moments with my children, individual time with each child, and time to unwind and bond with my friends. The key to balancing everything is being intentional about reserving time for my priorities. While managing this schedule can be demanding, it proves effective for me.

How has being a parent affected your academic performance or goals?

While I appreciated having a stable job at the factory that provided for my family, I found myself quite dissatisfied in that position. One of the key reasons I decided to take the leap and leave a secure career to pursue something I truly love is to demonstrate to my children that it’s achievable. I want them to understand that if they ever feel trapped in a job they dislike, they have the power to change their path. They are not bound to their current situation; they can make a significant shift if they desire. Although they are learning that work can be challenging, they are also witnessing that it is entirely possible to find fulfillment, and I take great pride in that.

What are some ways your education has positively impacted your family life?

My daughter and I share a strong connection through many of my studies. She loves hiking alongside me, and I take pleasure in teaching her about various plants while testing her knowledge of tree identification. Engaging in thought-provoking, substantive conversations, particularly with my children, is something I truly cherish

What are your career goals after completing your studies? How do you see your education benefiting your family in the long term?

My goal is to build a career as a researcher. The forest is my happy place, and my aim is to focus on forest ecology professionally. We want to relocate to the Pacific Northwest, and I would love to reside on the Olympic Peninsula while studying the Hoh Rain Forest.

I am also empowering my children by guiding them through the challenges of a significant life transition. With love and support, relocating can serve as a valuable growth opportunity for kids, enhancing their self-esteem and social skills.

What advice would you give to other student parents who are considering pursuing further education?

A peer support network offers significant advantages. Building relationships, forming friendships, and maintaining them can require considerable effort. Whether it's finding a friend to explore campus activities, organizing a study group, or simply having a classmate to commiserate with about a challenging reading assignment from your professor, I’ve discovered that it’s incredibly fulfilling to identify common ground with others and create meaningful connections.