Montoya Major is an inspiration to many young women who aspire to pursue higher education while raising a family. She is a 23-year-old single mom of twins who graduated with two degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Montoya moved from Alabama to Florida in 2017 to enroll in a dual-degree program that would allow her to earn a bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular sonography and a master’s degree in health science. She was determined to achieve her academic goals, but she faced an unexpected challenge when she found out she was pregnant with twins.
“It was honestly kind of heartbroken,” Montoya told Yahoo Lifestyle. “My ultimate concern was how was I going to finish school and take care of my children.”
Montoya did not give up on her dreams. She continued to attend classes and do her assignments while pregnant, and even after giving birth via C-section. She relied on the support of her father, who raised her as a single parent after her mother passed away, and her family and friends who flew in from Alabama to help her with childcare.
“I always knew I was going to finish on time, I simply just had to plan out exactly how I was going to achieve my goal,” she said.
Montoya’s hard work and perseverance paid off. She graduated with her two degrees in July 2019, while holding her twins in her arms. She also received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence from her college.
Montoya hopes that her story will inspire other young mothers who are pursuing their education.
“I want them to know that it is possible,” she said. “It may not be easy, but it is possible. You just have to believe in yourself and work hard.”
Montoya plans to pursue a doctorate degree in the future and become a professor. She also wants to start a nonprofit organization that will provide scholarships and mentorship for single mothers who want to go to college.
Montoya is a role model for many women who face similar challenges in their lives. She proves that with determination, dedication and support, anything is possible.
Source: Single mother, 23, graduates with 2 degrees after giving birth to twins
References:
- Single mother, 23, graduates with 2 degrees after giving birth to twins: ‘It is possible’ by Kerry Justich (Yahoo Lifestyle) https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/single-mother-graduates-with-2-degrees-after-giving-birth-to-twins-190458223.html
- Single mom gives birth to twins during grad school, earns two degrees by Kerry Breen (TODAY) https://www.today.com/parents/single-mom-has-twins-graduate-school-earns-two-degrees-t159462
- Single mom, 23, graduates with TWO degrees after giving birth to TWIN daughters by Erica Tempesta (Daily Mail) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7315091/Single-mom-23-graduates-TWO-degrees-giving-birth-TWIN-daughters.html
