Being a single mother trying to make it through school is something Sara Heistand, junior nursing major, is working hard on doing.

When Heistand found out she was going to be a mother, she never thought she was going to have to do it alone, but that is exactly what she is having to face.

But, the new mother found herself facing a new decision in her life. This time it involved her career.

Heistand decided to go into nursing because of her then two-year-old daughter, Emma.

“I want to be able to provide a good life for my daughter,” Heistand said. “I want her to proud of me.”

Missing school because of problems with the day care and child sicknesses pose a dilemma for Heistand, especially during the fall semester, but she said she received some help from her parents and friends. Emma’s father doesn’t make much of an effort to help when it comes to her schooling.

“I am very proud of Sara and the way she is raising Emma,” said Joyce Lewis, sophomore undecided major. “She has it rough sometimes with money and making it to school, but all in all I think she is doing great.”

Many times Heistand has gone without to provide for her daughter. The lack of sleep is something she has grown accustomed to.

“I don’t mind raising Emma by myself,” she said. “It’s nice to decide everything for her on my own.”

When Heistand feels overwhelmed or frustrated, she enjoys sitting down and working on her scrapbooking. She also likes to travel, even if it is just driving around until Emma falls asleep.

Heistand said it is harder to be a college student with a young child.

“The one thing that keeps me motivated is my daughter,” she said. “I probably would have quit by now if it wasn’t for her.”

Some people may think having a child while you are putting yourself through college is a setback, but Heistand doesn’t feel that way.

“Emma is my inspiration. I can’t imagine doing it without her,” she said.