University of Tennessee student and single mother Morgan King missed a day of class in mid-June due to being unable to find childcare for her three-month-old daughter, Korbyn. But when she emailed her professor about the absence, she got a most unexpected (and heartwarming) response from her professor, Sally Hunter:
Told my professor I missed class yesterday bc I couldn’t find childcare & this was her response. I’m literally crying. So blessed/thankful???????? pic.twitter.com/3QaThJRXdo
— Morgan King (@morgantking) June 16, 2017
USA Today reports that the tweet has been shared 5,000 times, adding:
King is a single mother who lost her own mom to breast cancer last year.
She said balancing school, work and motherhood by herself can be tough.
“It is so hard,” King said. “But I am so determined to graduate and get my degree for Korbyn and I. It’s not just about me anymore. I have to do this for us.”
Far too often, a welcoming environment for mothers and their children on college campuses is sorely lacking. But there are pro-life groups looking to change this. Students for Life of America’s Pregnant on Campus Initiative is one of those efforts to help pregnant women attending college. Along with forming chapters on college campuses, the initiative also wants its website to be a resource:
The Pregnant on Campus website features a comprehensive collection of resources for pregnant and parenting college students. Here you will find information for organizations that will assist you with your pregnant and parenting concerns—such as emotional support, financial assistance, housing, insurance, or material needs. Search National, State, and School resource pages to identify the organizations and opportunities available to you in your area.
Feminists for Life also offers resources as part of its college outreach program, stating that its goal is “to ensure pregnant women, expectant fathers, parents and birthparents won’t be forced to choose between terminating the[ir] education to support their children.”
According to USA Today, the university’s chancellor, Beverly Davenport, retweeted King’s post, affirming, “Morgan, thanks for showing us challenges college students face. Prof Hunter, thanks for being part of the solution.” In Morgan King’s case, an understanding professor made all the difference for a woman seeking to be both a good student and a good mother.
