What made you decide to start a family while pursuing your undergraduate degree?

I was 23 when I got married and I am 24 now. My birthday is in about a week. Frankly, my wife wanted kids. I thought she was crazy at first to want kids while we were undergraduates. I told her that if she could prove that we could afford to have kids as undergrads … we’ll have kids. About a month later, imagine my surprise when she comes back and she has done all of the math out completely, including the hospital bills.

What is the most rewarding experience about having a family at a young age?

It is the love. First of all, I don’t have to deal with roommates. I go home and I know that I am going to see two people that I am very excited to see everyday. Just to be able to spend time with people that you want to spend time with.

What is the most challenging part about having a family as an undergraduate?

If you have a baby who wants attention, you really can’t do anything else unless you are really talented at doing certain things one-handed. You would be really surprised to find out all the things that you use two hands for.

What advice do you have for couples thinking of having a child while in college?

I am still getting used to it myself, but if you’re thinking about having a child, make sure that you are up to the responsibility. You have to be committed and ready for it. It is probably one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done, but it is also a ton of work. Think about taking an extra two to three classes a semester and that’s about what you are getting into.

– Kelsey Alhmark