Building a Future, Honoring a Legacy: Ashli Sjolander’s Journey as a Parent in College
January 6, 2026When Ashli Sjolander enrolled at Westmoreland County Community College in the summer of 2023, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree - she was building a future for her family and carrying forward a dream rooted in love, culture and legacy.
Ashli, who graduated in May 2025 with an A.S. in Culinary Arts, is now completing her Business Entrepreneurship Certificate with one goal in mind: opening a restaurant in Pittsburgh that celebrates her Cajun roots. She envisions a warm, community-centered space where scratch-made, locally sourced dishes bring people together.
“I want to create a welcoming space where community, culture and culinary craftsmanship come together,” she said.
Balancing Books, Batches and Bedtime Stories
Ashli is the proud mother of a five-year-old son, Jalen, whom she homeschools while managing her coursework. Balancing school and parenting hasn’t always been easy, but she’s learned to make it work - often in creative ways.
“I try to involve my son in what I’m doing whenever possible, or we’ll work side by side on separate tasks,” she said.
For assignments that require more focus, she sets up Jalen with an independent activity or waits until after he goes to bed to finish her work. Flexibility is essential, and sometimes that means late nights and shifting plans. She says it’s all about finding small pockets of time and staying flexible.
Organization has become her anchor. Ashli keeps handwritten checklists, digital calendars and weekly planning lists to stay ahead of deadlines and appointments. Every other Sunday morning, she carves out time at a local coffee shop to work uninterrupted.
“Having a routine helps me stay grounded, but I’ve also learned to give myself grace when plans need to shift,” she explained.
A Dream Shared Across Generations
Ashli’s dream of opening a restaurant began with her mother, who encouraged her to pursue culinary arts back in 2019. The pandemic delayed those plans, but the inspiration never faded. Even after her mother’s passing, Ashli continues to feel her guiding influence.
“What keeps me going when things get tough is my son and the future I’m building for our family,” she said. “I also think about my mom… She wanted to see me create a place that honors our family’s heritage and the food that connects us.” On the hardest days, remembering that legacy helps Ashli push forward.
Finding Support in the Wolfpack Community
Westmoreland has played a significant role in Ashli’s journey. When she experienced the loss of her mother, the Culinary Arts faculty supported her with compassion and understanding. Their kindness reminded her that she was part of a community that truly cares.
She also found connection through The Balancing Act, Westmoreland’s program for students who are raising children. Being around others who understand the challenges of parenthood and college has been meaningful and motivating.
“Both the faculty and this program have made a huge difference, helping me feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep going,” she said.
Advice for Other Parents: “You’re Not Alone”
For other parents considering college, Ashli offers heartfelt encouragement.
“My biggest advice is to remember that you’re never alone, no matter how it may feel,” she said.
She encourages parent-students to get involved, even in small ways - join clubs, attend a meeting, participate in honor societies like Alpha Sigma Lambda, or connect with support groups like The Balancing Act.
“It reminds you that you belong and that you’re capable of achieving your goals,” she said.
Ashli’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted passion - proof that pursuing education while raising a family is not only possible, but also meaningful. And as she builds a future for herself and her son, she’s also honoring the dreams and traditions that inspire her every day.
She concluded, “Most importantly, this journey shows my son that hard work and education can make big goals possible.”