Balancing work, school and parenting is no small feat. Late-night study sessions, overlapping commitments, moments of self-doubt — and even the occasional baby-related mess — are all part of the experience. For students like Shea McNama in Boise State University’s online cyber operations and resilience program, this is the reality they navigate every day.
Earning a degree while raising a family takes determination, adaptability and perseverance. Despite exhaustion, stress and the urge to give up, student-parents like McNama press on, motivated by their goals and the desire to build a better future for their families.
Driven by purpose, grounded by family
McNama is a father, employee and student who stepped into higher education out of necessity. After an injury forced him to leave law enforcement, he realized he needed to change careers quickly. That is when he dove into Boise State’s online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience.
Shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, McNama took the lead on the master’s program and finished it in just nine months. But the challenges did not stop there. As a father, balancing school and family meant long nights and tough decisions.
“I did not want to just sit back and let life pass me by,” he said. “I knew I had to change things for my kids. I wanted to make a better life for them.”
At one point, McNama juggled being a full-time student, working as a snowplow driver for the Idaho Transportation Department and caring for his family. There were moments when he had to choose between helping his kids with homework, working or getting ready for his own assignments.
“In the middle of it all, I was studying at one of my daughter’s basketball games, drafting a paper, when a basketball bounced off my head and caught everyone’s attention in the gym,” he recalled.
Finding motivation at home
Balancing school and family time was challenging, so he focused on staying organized and being present — even if that meant studying from the bleachers. Eventually, he sat down with his kids to explain his goal. Because they were a little older, they understood and got on board fairly quickly. Though initially frustrated by how much time his coursework took, they soon started helping out at home with dishes and cleaning. Their support motivated him even more.
McNama’s hard work paid off when, just two years after starting school, he landed a job in digital forensics at the Idaho Transportation Department. But his proudest moment came when his family recognized his sacrifices.
“When my daughter said, ‘Dad, I’m proud of you,’ it hit me. It made all those sleepless nights and missed moments worth it. I knew I was doing the right thing.”
Recognizing motivated parents
The online format of the cyber operations and resilience program helps parents balance school, work and family life. With asynchronous classes, students can complete assignments after their kids are asleep or while they’re at school. The flexibility of learning from home also eliminates the need to commute, giving that time back for parenting, work or rest.
Each course runs for seven weeks, with a built-in break between sessions, providing students time to recharge before beginning the next class.
The program recognizes that career and academic growth doesn’t pause for parenthood. With the right support, motivation and perseverance, these parents prove that career advancement is possible.
Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program
Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.