Archives: Students / A Balancing Act

When MSIT students commit to spending their Saturdays with us, it often means having to rebalance work and home life, too. See what some of our students have done to help manage this change:

The Pouncey Family

Scott Pouncey, MSIT Class of 2001, is the Director of Information Services for Covenant Retirement Communities. He and his wife, Carolyn, have three teen-age daughters, and at the time this was written in 2001, an exchange student from Brazil.

Here's what Scott said about mixing MSIT, work and his family, in the Spring of 2001.

"My family discussed my going back to school before I was accepted into the MSIT. We knew that I would be missing soccer games and family outings on Saturdays and that a good portion of my time would be taken up with studying. My family all agreed that since it was only for two years, I should do it.

"My company helped tremendously too by allowing me to change my schedule from five days per week to four, 10-hour days, with one day off during the week. With this schedule I had time to study and work on homework while the kids were in school. It also gave me the opportunity to take my wife out to breakfast on my day off so that my thoughts were only on her for that short period of time. I scheduled my day off around my work so I didn't miss any meetings. It was been a wonderful benefit."

Below is a picture of Scott with his grand-daughter, Tara. Tara Lee Pouncey was born March 18, 2003. She was 19 inches long and 5 lbs 13 ounces. At her 2-month checkup she was 11 lbs 6 ounces. Tara is Scott's eldest daughter's (Megan) child, and the first grandchild for the MSIT. Congratulations Megan, Tara and the proud grandparents!

Joshua and Ethan Huang in 2002

Joshua and Ethan's dad is Eric Huang (class of 2002), who was a Senior Systems Engineering Analyst for CNA Insurance at the time this picture was taken. When the program started, Ethan was almost 2 years old but Joshua was only 3 months young. Tips from Eric:

"Since fighting for study time away from the two "super-hyper" toddlers at home is almost as challenging as the MSIT course contents, make sure you join and participate in a dedicated MSIT study group. I never regret those late study sessions that last until 2 or 3 O'clock in the morning, because we can really get the work done as a group."

The Changs

David Chang, Class of 2002, is a Technical Services Consultant at ADP, Inc. He and his wife, Winnie, were married right before he started the MSIT. While they didn't have children when David was in school, he and his bride still had a shared understanding about the extra time commitment school entails.

• We set aside Sunday as a family day to go shopping, to a movie, to eat out... something fun together.
• We develop a school calendar together that shows my busiest times (exams, papers due, etc) so she can make her plans around my schedule.
• During my "busy" times, she picks up my share of household chores and errands.

Alex and Winston Ding

This is Alex and Winston, Yvonne Yip's sons, when Winston was 10 days old. Yvonne (MSIT Class of 2001) is a Business Technology Consultant at CNA Insurance. Alex was born in Spring 2000, during the break between the winter and spring quarter, and Yvonne came back to school right on time! She graduated in June, 2001. Yvonne says, "I was proud to be a MSIT student and new mother. Yes, it was tough, but it's possible. Have the courage to go for your dream."

John Wheeler, MSIT Class of 1999

When John entered the program, he did not have any kids. MSIT recently heard from John, and this is what he had to write:

"My daughter recently had her first birthday, and my son will be three in September. I'm currently working for Encyclopaedia Britannica at Jackson and Michigan, in Chicago, as a UNIX sysadmin. I usually have lunch with about 4-5 from my original class about once a month. Things are going pretty well, I'm happy and enjoying raising my children."

Bonnie Hitzeman, MSIT Class of 1998 (an MSIT pioneer)

When Bonnie entered the program she had 2 kids under 3 years old (they now are 7 and 8). Here is how Bonnie juggled her many responsibilities:

• I became very good friends with my neighbors and I studied while my daughter was visiting there, no matter how short the time. NEVER underestimate the power of 1-2 hours of study time. It doesn't have to be a 4-hour stint.
• I took study breaks with my kids. For example, on Sunday afternoons I would study for a while, then we'd take a family walk together. Then I'd come back and study some more. This made it much more acceptable for them.
• My spouse picked up more than his share of household tasks. And some things around the house just didn't get done. MSIT is a two-year opportunity; some things can wait.
• My study group would meet at my house frequently. Sometimes I'd cook for my study buddies since they were good enough to come to my house.
• Exercising helped keep the energy level up -- even if it was only taking a walk.
• If the TV is a distraction, buy a headphone for your spouse so he (she) can listen to TV while you read in peace!