My Journey to Higher Education: Navigating Parenthood and Advocacy

Krystle Pale, Student Parent Advocacy Alliance (SPAA) Member
May 2024

Life has a curious way of surprising us, doesn't it? I never thought dropping out of high school would shape my future as profoundly as it did. I grew up in a community where academic success was often undervalued and overshadowed. It was only when I became a parent that I reached a turning point, leading me to realize the importance of education in breaking the cycle of generational trauma and limited opportunities.

Everything changed when I became a parent at 20. Suddenly, my future wasn't just about me; it was about providing a better life for my child. I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. As I grew alongside my daughter, I realized that motherhood was a challenging journey, and I felt deprived of my own youth. I hadn't fully experienced my own coming-of-age moments, yet here I was, thrust into the responsibilities of adulthood. I was and still am nowhere near perfect, and the weight of my newfound responsibilities often felt overwhelming. Amidst the uncertainties and struggles, I found a profound sense of purpose—a drive to create a brighter future not only for myself but for my child as well.

As I raised my first child, I realized that obtaining my GED was not just a milestone I needed to reach, but a crucial step toward securing employment and financial stability. However, I still hadn't fully grasped the importance of education. I was working as a caregiver/Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in private and nursing homes where the pay was decent, but the demands of the job often meant sacrificing precious time with my family. As I juggled work and parenthood, I began to understand the true value of education and its potential to improve my circumstances.

It wasn't until later in life, after having more children and navigating more significant life milestones, that my motivation to pursue higher education were truly ignited. I vividly remember conversations with one of my older clients, who was wise and encouraging. He shared stories of his own triumphs and challenges and emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth. His words inspired me to seek out opportunities for self-improvement and advancement. He would often say, “If you're not happy with your circumstances, you can change them,” “You are so clever; it would be a waste if you didn’t go back to school,” and “One thing that no one can take from you is education!”

With his empowering words echoing in my mind like a daily affirmation, I made a pivotal decision. Despite previously dropping out of beauty school and culinary arts programs, I resolved to pursue a career in nursing. While studying, I unexpectedly discovered my love for the field of sociology. The intricate study of why society is the way it is.  It has helped me to realize the systemic barriers that confine us resonated with me, further fueling my passion for education and personal growth. I found the tools to begin articulating the socioeconomic barriers that had shaped my own life and the lives of those around me. I could now clearly identify these barriers, and, more importantly, I felt empowered to work towards breaking them down. I became dedicated to understanding and dismantling the social inequalities impacting many lives.

From American River Community Community College to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), I continued to pursue my education with unwavering determination. Now, nearing completion of my B.A., I am ready to embark on the next phase of my academic journey: pursuing a master's in Education from the University of San Francisco. I am eager to continue making a difference in the field of education, armed with the knowledge and passion I have cultivated along the way.

Throughout my educational journey, I have been actively involved in advocacy as a racial equity issue. The statistics are staggering — a stop-out rate of 52% for student parents, with the majority being BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals. As a member of the Tongan community, which faces a 54% stop-out rate, I understand firsthand how the odds can at times feel stacked against us. I am determined to create a more equitable educational system where all individuals, regardless of race or parental status, have opportunities to succeed. I am deeply committed to advocating for systemic change and empowering others to overcome these barriers.

Through my involvement in the UCSC Student Parent Organization and various advocacy initiatives—including Generation Hope’s inaugural Student Parent Advocacy Alliance—I have worked tirelessly to improve the campus culture for student parents and address the systemic challenges they face. My journey has also taken me beyond the borders of my campus, allowing me to participate in conferences, panels, and advocacy events in California and beyond.

During my educational journey, I am driven by the desire to set an example for my children. I want them to see firsthand that they can overcome barriers and pursue their dreams. I do this work not just for myself, but also for them, for future and previous generations, and my community. I am driven by the very fact that my great aunt, who earned a full-ride scholarship to Brigham Young University, decided to stop out of school to sponsor my family while we immigrated here. She gave up her own chance at higher education, but paved the way for me to become a U.S. citizen and a first-generation college graduate.

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that education can have on individuals and communities. Empowered by my experiences, I seek to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams relentlessly. As I continue on my journey, I remain committed to breaking barriers and creating a brighter, more inclusive future for student parents everywhere. Join me in embracing the power of education and unlocking a world of endless possibilities for ourselves and future generations.

Krystle Pale is an invaluable member of our Student Parent Advocacy Alliance (SPAA). She is currently Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).