For Eastern students, balancing regular coursework and a social life is the norm of college life.

However, Jemeca Lipscomb, a senior accounting major, handles school and Greek life—all on top of being a mother.

Lipscomb, 24, has a 6-year-old daughter, MeYana Marie, and a 3-year-old son, Fabian Isaiah, who live with her in family housing at University Apartments.

“It’s been a really good experience going to school and being able to take care of my kids,” she said.

Lipscomb is a member of Delta Delta Delta, and she said her sorority sisters love having her daughter and son around.

“They’re like the only kids in Greek Court, so they get a lot of attention,” she said.

She said her kids get to experience a lot of Eastern right alongside her, and it is exciting having them go through college with her.

“They get to see campus, go to football games and participate in activities with Tri-Delta,” she said.

Lipscomb transferred to Eastern from South Suburban College in South Holland in Fall 2011 and said it was a totally different experience for her.

“I had never been on a college campus or done anything university-related,” she said. “It’s been challenging.”

Lipscomb said her daily routine differs from that of most Eastern students because of her children.

“In school, other people go to class, come home, hang out and go to sleep,” she said. “For me, I go home, get dinner started, get the kids showered and ready for bed.”

She said her kids understand her schedule and always want to hang out with her when she gets out of class.

“They understand I need to do my homework and get to bed, and they’re really good about the time I have with them,” she said. “You have to have really good time management.”

Lipscomb said she has had to work to adjust to school.

“Having the responsibilities of school and of a home life can be a lot,” she said. “When I have spare time, I take advantage of it.”

Lipscomb said her sorority sisters always tell her she is such a good mother, as well as being a good student.

“People always wonder how I do it, but it’s all about balancing your time,” she said.

Lipscomb said she is awake by 6 a.m. every morning to get her daughter MeYana up and ready to catch the bus to elementary school.

“I don’t get a lot of sleep, but I still manage everything,” she said.

After she graduates, Lipscomb said she plans to relocate her family to somewhere out east, like North Carolina.

“Going to work is a little easier for me than going to school full-time, so I’m kind of looking forward to it,” she said. “I can’t wait to see my kids grow up and continue life with them.”

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].