Finding My Place at Lindenwood as a Commuter Student, Mom, and Professional
Written by Niambi Tucker – BA, Marketing – Senior
A Morning Before Campus
By the time I get to campus on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I’ve already lived half a day. I’ve packed lunches, gotten my son to school, grabbed coffee, and checked my calendar at least five times. When I finally pull into the parking lot at Harmon Hall, I’m not just showing up as a student.
I’m showing up as a mom, a full-time professional, and a 26-year-old trying to build a future.
My undergraduate experience looks different from what most people picture when they think about university life. I’m a commuter student, and I don’t always get to participate in spontaneous and fun activities or events!
For me, being on campus takes some very intentional planning.
One thing I’ve learned during my time at Lindenwood is that being a commuter student doesn’t mean being disconnected. In fact, some of my most meaningful experiences have come from intentionally finding my place here.
Choosing a Different Path
When I graduated high school in 2017, I had been accepted into 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Having a child the same year changed my decision of going away for college, so I stayed home in St. Louis and attended Columbia College online. And I absolutely hated being an online student. Which is why I transferred to LU.
I knew the moment I stepped on campus that I didn’t want to be the student that was a “3C Student”- Go to Class, Grab Chick-fil-A, & Get Back in My Car. Even though I already balance so many responsibilities outside of school, it would have been easier to be a 3C Student. But I also knew that if I was going to invest my time, money, and energy into earning my degree, I wanted the full experience.
So, I started getting involved immediately.
Finding Community Through Student Organizations
One of the first spaces where I really began to feel connected was the Black Student Union. Being around other students who shared similar perspectives and experiences helped me feel grounded on campus. I was so comfortable with the student organization that I began to plan my attendance at every meeting and event for the rest of the semester. And I’m glad that I did, because I later became the president for the 24-25 academic year!
Following my leadership with BSU, I was nominated for induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which has pushed me to grow as a leader and think more intentionally about my goals after graduation. I also have been a loud and proud advocate for the LU Pridettes, Lindenwood’s majorette dance team, who recognized me as an honorary member after making the Dean’s List this past fall.
Creating My Own Opportunities
Outside of student organizations, I’ve also had the opportunity to gain experience I would never have been able to get if I didn’t have the courage to put myself out there. I plan to use my Marketing degree to work in sports marketing. And being a student at an NCAA D1 university, I just knew there had to be some opportunity, right? Wrong.
There were no undergraduate student positions open. So, I kind of made my own. I sent an email to a faculty member who I’d met as a student organization leader and asked them to point me in the right direction to “shadow” someone in the athletics department. A week later, I met with one of the ADs and became his intern.
Asking questions and taking a leap of faith got me experiences that would set my application apart when I begin to apply for roles post-graduation; I attended the OVC Basketball Championships with our women’s basketball team, made social media posts during the football team’s media day, and attended the FCS Football Championship in Nashville, TN at Vanderbilt University. Also, through this internship I was connected with a young professional, now my mentor and a Lindenwood alum, who has introduced me to contacts in the NFL and NBA and opened my eyes to the value of the degree path I’ve chosen.
Building Connections on Campus
With that being said, my experience at LU has been more than just student organizations and Homecoming (my favorite event of the year!). It has really been about the community and connections on campus.
For me, I have made so many impactful connections with faculty and staff members that have influenced a lot of my decision making and involvement on campus. The Center (for Campus Community & Connection) has been one of those spaces where I feel the most welcomed and supported. Ms. Keela, the Director, has created an environment where students feel comfortable showing up as themselves. This space has mattered more than I can fully explain.
I’ve also built meaningful relationships with several other faculty, staff members, and even adjunct professors. These connections have helped transform campus from just a place I come to attend classes, into a place where I feel safe to ask for guidance and support— which is very important to me as an adult with a child who is already working in my career field.
Continuing to Grow
At the same time, being involved on campus has allowed me to see the many opportunities for growth. Lindenwood is very welcoming, and most people I encounter are kind and supportive. But as someone who is passionate about diversity and representation, I also believe there is room for the university to continue expanding and strengthening those efforts. When campuses create space for different voices, cultures, and life experiences, the entire student community benefits— and students like me feel even more seen!
Building My Future at Lindenwood
My path to and through Lindenwood hasn’t been traditional, but it has been very intentional. Every class I attend, every event I stay for, every opportunity I take on is something I’ve chosen to make space for in a very full life. Being a commuter, a working professional, and a mom has taught me how to move through college with purpose.
And along the way, Lindenwood has become a place where I’ve grown, connected with people who lift me up, and built experiences that are shaping the future I am working toward, both for myself and my son.
No matter where you are in life, there is a space for you to build your own path here.
All roads lead to Lindenwood!