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by Stella Shepard
"This (college) is going to take the place of that full-time job," says Madigan."If I haven't developed some organizational skills by now it's a wonder we've all gotten this far or that the kids are still in school," she jokes. Before commuting to Charlottetown from her Brudenell home near Montague, Madigan gives the house a last minute inspection, turning off stereos, lights and radios. An accomplished artist, she risked leaving a full-time sales job with Island Press Ltd. to pursue a graphic artist career. She doesn't regret her decision. The jovial mother of three laughs at her oldest son's reaction to her entering college. At first, the 15-year-old was embarrassed, but on Madigan's first day he wished her luck. "He came out and gave me a big hug and said 'have a good day at school Mom, I don't want any notes or no phone calls from any teachers,'" laughs Madigan. "It was really cute." Time management is vital to run a busy household, says Madigan who uses her time wisely. When she returns home after a long and stimulating day at college, meals are prepared, children are escorted to sports, game practices, and her own personal interests are pursued. Madigan is involved with community events, the Student's Art Expo, and she paints for profit. Sales from her art covered hockey registration for her children. Her oldest son, Alex, paid for his own hockey equipment and registration. The animated mom plays scrabble with her daughter while supper cooks. After meals, she helps the children with their homework and school projects, before working on her own class projects. "What I'm doing any working mother can relate to. This feeling of feeling like you're not giving anything your all. You're very divided. You're giving some of your energy to the kids and some of your energy to your program. But any working mother feels that sometimes." Madigan jokes about having three kids in hockey. "When the hockey season starts, it could all be a sweet memory." But for now, the household runs smoothly. The children's father, who lives nearby, shares parenting, and helps with transporting the kids to their extra-curricular activities. With her shoulder-length blonde hair neatly tied back, Madigan proudly talks about her children, Alex, 15, Nathan, 12, and Ada, 8. She has taught them basic life skills: cooking, cleaning and how to do laundry. They're independent, active in sports and versatile. Madigan is part of a growing population of older students entering post-secondary institutions. During orientation, she noticed several older people. Some enrolled in college programs for the first time. "On the first day we seemed to catch each others' eye," says Madigan, "During orientation, I spoke to several other mothers going back to school after a long time period." She says one mother patted herself on the back for making it to class on time after sending her children to school. There is no formal network between the older students, but they do share some common ground. In Madigan's class there are about 25 students. Although she's twice the age of her classmates, there are no age barriers. "It only feels funny until the ice is broken and then, rather than have everyone stay away from me, I find they are around me all the time," says Madigan. "It's great." Madigan's bright blue eyes dance with excitement when she talks about college and home-life. "You take one week at a time and have a great big calendar on the wall," she smiles.
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