Keisha Webb, sophomore elementary education major, is taking on a full load this semester. But it's not the full load most students think about. Webb is six months pregnant and has a two-year-old son.
Her son's name is Nehemiah. If Webb wakes up late or cannot find a baby-sitter for Nehemiah, he has to go to class with her.
Webb said she has taken her son with her to school, "probably about seven times."
She said her two-year old is very active, and can be distracting to her and others.
"It seems like he's a disturbance in the classroom," Webb said. "Children get irritable; they're always ready to go. They don't understand that they have to sit still or be quiet in a classroom."
According to Webb, when she has her son in class instead of focusing on the lesson, Nehemiah naturally wants all her attention on him.
"He's always hungry, he wants to go to the bathroom all the time and he wants to talk to me the whole time I'm in class," Webb said.
Webb has been at The University of Memphis for a year now and is taking nine hours this semester.
In addition to her nine hours at school, she works 30 hours at the Turning Heads Beauty Salon and spends nine hours or more as head director of the youth choir at her church.
"I assist the youth director at my church, and we're always going on outings, so it poses a problem -- especially if I have a test to study for," Webb said.
Webb said that it is very hard juggling so many obligations as a student, mother, wife and an employee.
"It's very hectic," Webb said. "I have to juggle between (school), taking care of my child and trying to be a good wife."
Webb's doctor has advised her to cut down on so many of her jobs because of her impending pregnancy.
"I don't get much time at home, and with me being pregnant, my doctor says I need to get more rest," Webb said.
The last time Webb took Nehemiah to school was last week. She said it was one of her more memorable experiences.
"The last time was the worst because he got very unruly. He didn't want to be quiet." Webb said. "He finally got tired and went to sleep. He's not used to coming to school with me."
Mothers who have to bring their children to school can leave their kids at The University of Memphis Child Development Center.
"It's $2.00 per hour per child and the drop in fee is $2.50 per hour per child, including a $20.00 registration fee," said Kimberly Dobbins, evening lead teacher.
