Meet Marthe, a student parent member of LIFT-NY. Originally from Burkina Faso, Marthe came to America as a political asylee. Seventeen days after arriving, she gave birth to her son. After spending much of her time in shelters, Marthe and her family finally secured an apartment in 2019. It was then that she decided to go back to school to pursue accounting.
However, when the pandemic hit, Marthe, who worked part-time at a hospital’s food service department, witnessed firsthand the nursing shortage and how understaffed the hospital was. This was a turning point for her; she decided to become a nurse.
“I wanted to become a nurse because I was welcomed in America. This country opened its hands to me. For me to feel happy, I have to give back to the NYC community,” she says.
Marthe credits LIFT with being a crucial support system throughout her journey. “I received so much support from LIFT. Whenever I’m stressed, I have someone to talk to. They supported me mentally, financially, and I can never say thank you enough.”
Now enrolled in a nursing program, Marthe faces many challenges, especially as a student parent.
“You don’t have time for yourself. Whatever time you have, you give it to your kids first,” she shares. But through LIFT’s guidance, she’s learned to manage her time better and prioritize self-care. “LIFT helped me so much. Their support makes me want to give back.”
As we recognize National Student Parent Month this September, Marthe’s story highlights the broader challenges faced by student parents, a group that makes up 27% of LIFT-NY’s membership. These parents are at risk of experiencing “time poverty,” often spending 4.3 hours less per week studying than their childless peers and taking longer to earn their degrees.
LIFT-NY provides critical support to help student parents thrive. In FY24, 82% of student parents with income goals progressed in income, 93% advanced in finances, and 61% improved their overall well-being.
Marthe’s dream is to become a midwife. Her son, who she was pregnant with when she first arrived to America, now 8 years old, aspires to be the President of the United States one day, while her 6-year-old daughter wants to become a doctor.