‘Hindi Mommy Lang,’ Real Stories Of Learning And Motherhood

Have you ever felt like motherhood became a stumbling block to your dreams? If you’re eager to pursue a career but feel there’s no chance of returning to school or work, think again. Technological advances today have opened up more opportunities for women, especially mothers, to thrive in both motherhood and their personal interests.

Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure, is responsible for ensuring that the company focuses on the core principles of teaching and learning while driving academic success within the institutions they collaborate with. Beyond her corporate role, Melissa considers herself a lifelong learner and is now in her 27th year of teaching. She pursued her master’s degree in her mid-twenties. "I pursued my master's degree in my mid-twenties after working and realizing I wanted to dedicate my career to education. I pursued the degree part-time while working full-time," she shared.

Melissa emphasizes that education is more than just a degree. "Education is so much more than that. If you want to pursue a degree over time, that's wonderful, but there's so much more that you would get out of continuing in lifelong education, such as taking short courses or learning opportunities [with] certificates," she explained. Moreover, she shared three main reasons why women, particularly moms, should pursue their education.

Three reasons moms should pursue education

Education builds confidence

"There's a number of universities in the Philippines that offer help for moms and women in general to find opportunities. [They're] proactively reaching out and sharing learning opportunities. This may be bite-sized or chunked, but it will help moms feel like they have a place [in the world of education.] It fits with all the other responsibilities they have, so you can try interesting courses, even things like parenting courses or cooking courses… There's a lot of areas that may not be related to a profession, but it will make moms feel excited about learning and being exposed to new things," said Melissa. Whether it’s parenting or cooking courses, these programs may not be directly related to a profession but can excite moms about learning and trying new things.

Education boosts confidence, not only as a woman but also as a mother and community member. It hones personal interests and passions, encouraging moms to rediscover themselves beyond their roles at home.

Education allows moms to give back to the community

Higher education equips women with valuable skills, whether through reskilling or upskilling, enabling them to help others more effectively. Melissa also mentioned that educated women often find more opportunities to volunteer, contribute to their communities, and build skills that serve a greater purpose. 

Moms become role models for the next generation

Confident and educated mothers inspire children to challenge themselves.

"It can inspire learning in the younger generation. Their children will see that their moms feel comfortable while challenging themselves," Melissa remarked. This confidence and willingness to take on challenges can encourage children to do the same as they grow, following in the footsteps of their mothers.

How do cultural norms and societal expectations impact women's educational opportunities?

Melissa acknowledged that in many cultures, women, especially mothers, still face societal expectations that can discourage them from pursuing education. Some claim that running a household means focusing on house chores alone. While cultural norms do not invite women to pursue education, Melissa believes that education is possible even within the comforts of their homes or wherever they are. There are successful initiatives that have helped overcome these barriers--for instance, many universities in the country now offer open courses tailored to moms, such as parenting and cooking courses, or other offerings that may not be related to a profession but engages moms in learning activities. These programs provide moms with the confidence that they can achieve something for themselves–and perhaps over time, use these kills beyond motherhood. “Education is a door to opportunity,” Melissa affirmed.

Melissa once taught an online course, where she had two Filipino mom students who hadn't finished college but wanted to pursue something for themselves. "It was interesting to watch these two women in this course. It boosted their confidence. They started unsure and quiet, but I could tell they had many ideas… [After 8 weeks], they were outspoken, contributing, and vocal, and building opinions for themselves," she recounted, further proving how education can make a difference. 

Another example is Ana Calabrese, also part of Instructure, who had already earned a degree before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She pursued higher education for several years and worked at various companies before upskilling after motherhood to revive her career.

Real moms from the Smart Parenting Village share their journeys of juggling motherhood and education

In the 100,000 strong Smart Parenting Village community, several moms shared their experiences:

“Hindi lang pala ako ‘Mommy lang…”

Maria Rowen Aleta-Mendoza was pursuing her master’s degree when she got pregnant. It was also the time for her board exam and her career as an ESL teacher. Despite moments of doubt, she drew inspiration from other moms, like her college professors or her co-teachers, who were moms and also doctorate degree holders. Her mantra became, “Hindi lang pala ako ‘Mommy na or Mommy lang…’ Mommy ako at mas marami pa pala akong kayang gawin. I thought yung pagiging preggy at pagiging mommy makaka-hinder sa dreams ko, hindi pala. Mas mae-encourage ka, mas magiging on fire ka dahil hindi ka na nag-iisa. Meron kang anak na pwede mong maging inspirasyon.”

"I take comfort and inspiration from the kids…"

Mommy Estee David-Tolentino completed her Certificate in Teaching Education, reviewed and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2022, enrolled in Grad School in 2023, and began working toward her MA in Psychology in 2024. She also passed the Psychometrician Board Exam in August of this year. "It's hard being a mom, a full-time employee, and a student, but I take comfort and inspiration from the kids and set an example for them, too," she shared. She’s also proud of her children who are achievers, too, for they see how she values education. Despite her busy schedule, they enjoy traveling as a family and she still makes time to attend her kids' activities.

"It really does not burden you, but it motivates you to be better and stronger each day."

Mommy Shiena May Villalobos-Demafeliz, who holds an MA in Music Education, shared how he balanced being a full-time breastfeeding mom and a full-time university teacher while earning her first certificate in Medical Coding and Billing from Ensign College. To her, it was challenging, but her growth mindset helped her stay motivated and continue learning. For Shiena, pursuing education as a mother became a source of inspiration. She plans to work remotely in the future, and obtaining a certificate in the medical field will help her upskill.

"It really does not burden you, but it motivates you to be better and stronger each day. I believe that learning does not end after getting a degree. Education is the Key to knowledge and your passport in these very demanding times. The world is changing and ‘upgrading,’ so I think I should too," she concluded.

Leveraging technology to overcome educational barriers women typically face

Technology makes it easier for anyone to study anywhere. Melissa highlighted how Instructure has partnered with top universities in the Philippines, such as Ateneo De Manila University, the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and Our Lady of Fatima University, to help educators provide better, more personalized online learning experiences.

Instructure’s Learning Management System (LMS) is user-friendly, accessible, and inclusive, fostering a community of two million users who can interact, communicate, and support one another. This technology allows education providers to make learning experiences more accessible, especially for mothers balancing their busy lives.

Investing in education offers lasting benefits, including more opportunities, a better lifestyle, and personal fulfillment. "It can drive your happiness. It can lift your spirit. It can bring joy. It can help you better as you think about how to raise your children," Melissa concluded. “It’s the antidote to being unfulfilled.”

Read here to learn more about an alternative education program called ETEEAP.