“Being a mother has improved my student life”

Gemma McKeown is a 20 year old, first year student studying sociology. Yet Gemma’s “first year experience” differs from the norm as she has two year old Ailbhe-Lilly to handle. We talked to Gemma to get an insight into the mind of a young student mother- and the benefits of having a 2 year old housemate.

So Gemma, along with yourself, who helps to look after Ailbhe-Lilly?

Well, me and Michael obviously look after her the most, being her parents, but we’re lucky enough to never be short of babysitters.

What about Queen’s,do you think the uni provides enough support?

The biggest support is having the creche close by. I can drop Ailbhe-Lilly off and head on to class or the library. If she was sick I wouldn’t have far to go. Student finance also helps- it’s expensive enough to go to uni never mind paying childcare as well.

Do you think being a young mother has better prepared you for Uni? 

Yeah definitely, I can’t afford to mess up! I hate missing class because I’ll never find the time to catch up- people are always surprised by this because I was so different in school! I still share the same pressures as other students- the stress of an essay deadline for example. Though sickness always seems to be around creche when I have essays due so I’m constantly hoping she won’t get sick or we both have to stay off.

When it comes to assignments, does it annoy you when classmates complain about hangovers impacting their grades when you have real responsibilities?

Sometimes it bothers me a little bit but everyone has their own responsibilities so who am I to judge? I may not get as many nights out but all my friends love Ailbhe-Lilly so they understand.

So could you say being a student mother has made you appreciate your time at Queen’s?

I would say it has, I can concentrate on what’s important in my life in and out of Uni. Socially my life is different from the average first year but it’s no bad thing- I see my friends for lunch and at the weekend. I’ve got a good balance.

Ailbhe-Lilly has her priorities straight

You’ve said about not being able to have as many nights out but another student pastime is indulging in daytime TV- do you and Ailbhe-Lilly have any favourties?

CBeebies-WHAT. Are they on drugs!? In the Night Garden is her favourite so I have to endure that weirdness. Something Special is a pretty good show- it teaches sign language and we’ve both learned a few words!

So along with educational advantages of kids TV, what’s the best thing about being a young student mother in your opinion?

Disney- finally I can sing-a-long to the Lion King in the car with no shame. As long as I have a child in the car obviously….

and ice-cream. Always ice-cream