The New Normal: Students With Children Gain Visibility

News Date: 

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Author: 

By Uma Mazar

Content: 

Matthew Funck is a 32-year-old Economics major and Promise Scholar who wants people to learn more about non-traditional student parents at UC Santa Barbara and give the group more visibility. 

In 2015, CLASP estimated that 40% of college students nationwide were non-traditional students — mainly parents, but also caregivers, full-time employees, or retirees. In 2021, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research reported that 1 in 5 college students have children. These numbers challenge the notion that college is exclusive to 18 to 24-year-olds. Funck believes this trend needs to get more attention in order to help ease stigmas about non-traditional students. 

Born to an immigrant Filipina mom and a US Marine dad, Funck is the middle child of three. He grew up in Oceanside and Temecula, California, and attended community college but dropped out after a few months due to personal reasons and feeling lost. In 2016, he welcomed his first and only child. It was the arrival of his daughter Rose that prompted him to complete his bachelor's degree.

Besides being a full-time student and a father, Funck works part-time at a hotel in Santa Barbara. UCSB offered him scholarships and financial aid, which have allowed him to pursue his higher education without undue stress. 

Funck opened up about his struggles, successes, and experiences at UCSB and shared a few words with current and future students who might be in a similar situation. 

Matt Funck with his daughter, Rose, shortly after she was born

What motivated you to pursue higher education as a parent?

The simple answer is generational wealth. I’m motivated to provide for my family and future family members. While I grew up in poverty, I’ve come to understand that education is the only way out. My motivation to pursue higher education comes from life and work experiences. 

Why did you choose Economics instead of any other major at UCSB? 

I studied Business Administration on and off at various community colleges before ending up at SBCC in 2022. There, I was advised to switch to Economics to attend UCSB. This decision changed my entire educational path for the better. I’m always up for a good challenge, and in Economics, there’s no shortage of that.  

How do you balance your academic responsibilities at UCSB with your role as a parent?

As a father, I must support my family to the best of my ability. I live away from my family while pursuing higher education, but the thought of them influences my approach to succeed at UCSB. My daughter’s future depends on my future, so I must succeed. With each 10-week quarter at UCSB differing in its expected workload, it’s hard to balance my academic responsibilities and my role as a parent. My intense focus on academics makes me rely on my daughter’s mother to support her more often during the quarter system. Typically, I balance this out by visiting when I can, but this never feels like enough.

Can you share any specific challenges you've faced as a non-traditional student and parent simultaneously?

This [spring] quarter at UCSB was my most challenging quarter so far as a non-traditional parent-student. Being able to see my daughter has become increasingly difficult due to my workload at UCSB and other outside circumstances. Time is precious, and my academic record is at stake! This is a challenge that I deal with day-to-day.

What support systems or resources have you found helpful at USCB for managing your academic and parental duties?

UCSB has multiple resources for all types of students to succeed. CLAS [Campus Learning Assistance Services] has helped me get into upper-division economics via free tutoring. They also taught me how to plan my quarter strategically. CAPS [Campus Learning Assistance Services] lent an open ear to me when I initially struggled with separation from my family. TSC [Transfer Student Center] has been helping me plan my academic future at UCSB. A Non-Traditional center employee helped me find resources for available aid as a parent-student, while the center also provides a quiet space. The Basic Needs Center walked me through all available circumstantial government aid and helped me gain benefits. Many other resources are available, but I haven’t been able to explore them due to time constraints.

Have you found any strategies or techniques that help you stay focused and productive as an Economics student and a parent?

My strategy is to stay productive as an economics student and parent is to focus solely on my academic path and my role as a father. I’ve learned that during my time at UCSB, I must sacrifice other aspects of my life to be a fully committed UCSB student and father. Most of my activities revolve around being a student and a father. 

Have you experienced any identity crises during your time at UCSB? If yes, how did you handle it? 

Yes! With the amount of schoolwork that I tackle weekly, it’s hard for me to “get out there” and gain real-life social experiences like I did before higher education. The lack of social interactions sometimes gets me down, leading me into an identity crisis. But understanding where I’m at and “what my purpose is” helps me get past the feelings of identity crisis. Talking to friends and family on the phone also helps me understand my purpose. 

Funck and Rose at Scripps Insititute of Oceanography Birch Aquarium

What advice would you give anyone struggling to find their purpose as student parents?

Just remember that everything will be worth it at the end of the day. Stay focused, and keep in mind that there is support for us. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. 

Have you encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about non-traditional students, and how do you respond to them?

I usually get a surprised look when I present my age at UCSB. If it’s another student, their response typically involves the word “old” and other verbiage. I know that 32 isn’t old, but when you’re around a bunch of potential teenagers and 20-year-olds, 30 is old. I don’t give these antics any mind because, soon enough, they will be “old.” In my opinion, having life experience gives non-traditional students an advantage.

Can you share a memorable experience or success story as a non-traditional student at UCSB and a parent? 

My daughter has seen my academic transformation and expressed wanting to do well in school. Her teacher says that she’s one of the smartest in her class. As a father, especially away from home, it’s nice to know that your influence can change your child’s perspective. This is a success story as a non-traditional student and parent. 

What advice would you give other parents considering pursuing higher education at UCSB?

While my experiences may differ from other parents, my advice to those who are spending time away from their children to pursue a degree is that no matter the challenge you face, focus on the rewards after obtaining a degree. They will benefit not only you, but your family. When you involve others in your personal goals, your purpose becomes more profound, and you can obtain more.

Uma Mazar is a third year UC Santa Barbara student who is majoring in Communication. She conducted this interview for her Digital Journalism class.