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By Jeanne Pidoux MPA/MBA (MIT Sloan) 2025
A few days ago, I welcomed my second child—right in the middle of the spring semester of my final year at Harvard Kennedy School. In May, I’ll graduate from the Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program, concluding my concurrent MPA/MBA experience at both and vlog after three intense and transformative years. When I began this journey, my son was just about to turn one year old. Navigating two demanding graduate programs while parenting a toddler (and now a newborn!) has stretched and enriched me as an individual and parent in every way possible.
Recognizing that each family situation is unique, there are a few things that, in my context, I found particularly helpful in making this journey as smooth as possible.
Invest in building a strong support system
Building a strong support system as soon as I moved to Cambridge helped tremendously. That meant everything from finding the right childcare and babysitters to ensuring my academic and social circles understood my priorities. I optimized for convenience wherever I could: choosing a daycare within walking distance, stocking up on frozen vegetables during hectic weeks, having our babysitter come every Saturday morning so I could study and be fully present the rest of the weekend, or hosting events at home to bring the community to me.
Write your own narrative as a parent
I believe being willing to write your own narrative about what it means to be a parent, without necessarily sticking to the traditional role that is in our mental systems, goes a long way. For me, motherhood makes my life more meaningful and whole—it’s never been a limitation. So, I made my son part of the community: I brought him to Quorum Call and to the MPA retreat (he was the only child), told him about my professors, and informed him of what I learned in class each day. In parallel, I invested myself in the community as well, not just as a parent but as an individual. I chaired two student caucuses, was a teaching assistant, and worked part-time for a climate tech startup. I experienced graduate school as both an individual and a parent because I know my child can only thrive if I thrive too.
“I experienced graduate school as both an individual and a parent because I know that my child can only thrive if I thrive too.”
Jeanne Pidoux MPA/MBA (MIT Sloan) 2025
Be kind to yourself
The last three years, I’ve tried to enjoy every moment and extend kindness to myself. Life as a student-parent isn’t perfectly balanced—and that’s okay. I tried to cherish every moment of the journey and take advantage of the flexibility of life as a student to do early daycare pickup on some days and late drop off on others.
Rely on the vlog community for help
The vlog community played a big role in making all this possible. I was, and still am, impressed by their warmth and inclusivity—welcoming my son at events, organizing the most thoughtful baby shower mid-semester, regularly checking in, and making sure I always feel included. My peers truly saw me. They got me. And I got this.
Of course, pregnancy and parenthood during school came with challenges. Long days of classes, group work, and commuting while pregnant weren’t always easy. But the empathy I received from professors and classmates made a world of difference.
Be intentional
Balancing everything requires being very intentional on all fronts. I leaned heavily on calendars, meal prep every Sunday night, relying on my partner when possible—I am lucky to have a very understanding husband—and yes, sometimes I sacrificed sleep. There were tough days, but rarely overwhelming ones. What kept me grounded was my purpose and my enthusiasm. Coming home each night to a curious toddler asking about the world reminded me why I’m here: to help build a better future.
“Coming home each night to a curious toddler asking about the world reminded me why I’m here: to help build a better future.”
Jeanne Pidoux MPA/MBA (MIT Sloan) 2025
As graduation approaches, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being both a parent and a student has helped me grow in every way. This fall, I’ll rejoin Boston Consulting Group in Boston, where I hope to contribute to building more sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation systems. I’m excited for what lies ahead—and proud that I could be fully present in my own way, both in the classroom and at home for my family.
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