Campus Connection

December graduate Verena Hayes on balancing education and motherhood 

With determination and a strong support network, Verena Hayes has proved that no dream is out of reach.  

In December, Hayes graduated with dual certification in elementary/middle education and special education. Her journey as a nontraditional student, full-time mom, student teacher, and active member of campus organizations was been marked by her passion for the profession and an unyielding commitment to her goals.

“Ultimately, the main thing that truly helped me manage being a student, mom, participant in Kappa Delta Pi and student teacher was leaning on my support system,” Hayes explains.

From coordinating childcare to professors who welcomed her son to class, Hayes says the encouragement of her community was been instrumental in balancing the demands of her busy life.  

“I would not have been able to make it through the last four and a half years without the support of my family, friends, professors, classmates and cooperating teachers,” Hayes shares.  

Growing up in a family of mental health professionals and gaining experience at Rogers Behavioral Health, Hayes saw firsthand how focusing on students’ mental health can lead to academic success.  

“I had the privilege of seeing how prioritizing mental health can make academics fall into place,” Hayes says.  

Through UWL’s education program, Hayes honed her ability to support diverse student needs.

“The program helped me develop invaluable skills, from managing the demands of a diverse classroom to advocating for students and promoting equity in education,” Hayes explains. “I feel prepared to make a meaningful impact and hopeful that I can inspire students to reach their full potential.”

During her student teaching placement at Eagle Bluff Elementary as a special education cross-categorical teacher, Hayes found joy in watching her students grow.  

“The most rewarding aspect of student teaching was seeing my students’ progress,” Hayes shares. “It was amazing to see their excitement when something clicked or when they realized their hard work paid off.”  

For other nontraditional students balancing education with life’s challenges, Hayes offers encouragement.  

“My No. 1 piece of advice is to find your people,” she says. “Having a support system is crucial.”  

Now employed at Blessed Sacrament elementary school, Hayes is proof that with determination and the right people by your side, no challenge is insurmountable.