 eet Jolawn. She is a second year MBA student at the Stern School of Business, concentrating in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Jolawn plans to graduate in May 2009. She is the mother of a beautiful, curious 2 year-old named Amari, and seven week old Joshua.
Life in Harlem
Jolawn and her husband, Kevan, who is also a full time MBA student in his first year at Stern, live in Harlem. The couple chose to live on the B/C train line for an easy 25-30 minute commute to school, but in a neighborhood where they could afford to live in a larger apartment with an elevator and laundry facilities. The couple found their apartment through a broker, but they recommend going straight to the management company (lemlewolff.com) or gonofee.com.
Jolawn's Support Network
Jolawn relied very heavily on her mother-in-law during the first few months of school. Her mother-in-law, who lives in Trinidad, stayed with her family the first two months of school, enabling the couple to attend orientation, which some days went late into the night at the US Open and Mets' games. |
Childcare
Jolawn and her husband were blessed to find a family friend who cares for their son every weekday from 8-5. Their nanny comes to their apartment, does laundry and dishes in addition to caring for their son. They say business school would not be as great an experience if they had not found their nanny.
Babysitting
When the couple attended their first pediatrician appointment in New York city, Jolawn asked the doctor if she knew of any babysitting resources. It was then Jolawn learned about the Barnard Babysitting Service, which is located on Columbia's campus, just minutes from her home in Harlem. The couple has been pleased with the services so far, provided by full time undergraduate female students at Barnard.
Health Care
Jolawn's son is on Medicaid insurance. She says the pros are that it is free, and she has been pleased with the relationship she has formed with her son's pediatrician. The only con, she mentioned, is the extremely long wait times she has experienced in the doctor waiting room. |
The Most Challenging Aspect
Jolawn says the most challenging aspect has been planning well in advance. She says its not hard, but if you forget to plan small details, they may end up costing you more in the long run.
Children's Activities
When asked what types of activities her son participates in, Jolawn mentioned that he attends Kidville's Little Maestro class weekly. He also goes to storytelling at Tribal Spears, as well storytelling at the library, in addition to frequently visiting Central Park.
Last Words of Advice
As far as convenient baby gear in NYC, Jolawn uses Nuby bottles, which she claims never spill. She enjoys shopping at Belly Dance Maternity. She has been able to maximize her studying by forming study groups in all her classes, and meeting weekly to stay ahead of the coursework. She wishes that someone had told her to take a leave of absence from her job when she had to the chance, so that she would still have PPO health insuranc for the entire family.
Contact Jolawn: jor216@stern.nyu.edu |
