Liska travels the extra miles for education

McKenzie Liska’s mornings begin at 7:30 a.m.

She wakes up, gets ready and with her two-year-old son Braxton, drives nearly 80 miles from Verdigre, Neb. to Vermillion.

Liska, who plans to graduate in the spring of 2015, transferred from Northeast Community College in 2011 to pursue public relations.

“I don’t want to be another single mother, negative statistic,” Liska said.

Despite harsh winter weather, Liska only had to miss one day of class last year. She leaves her home around 8:30 a.m. each morning, just in case, to get to class by 11 a.m.

“The professors, if I explain the situation, they are more worried about if you’re OK,” Liska said.

She drops Braxton off at USD’s daycare every morning, and picks him back up after she has finished her classes and homework. They are usually home by 7 p.m., except for Wednesdays, because of a practicum, are back in Verdigre at 10 p.m.

However, she said pursuing her degree, despite the hassle, is worthwhile.

“With my son, I realize I want to be educated and make a better life for him and I,” Liska said.

She uses the drive to spend time with her son. They usually sing songs and practice colors and shapes.

“He’s really good in the car,” Liska said.

After two years of commuting, the two have gotten used to the drive.

“I don’t know if it’s easier, but we have more of a routine now,” Liska said. “He’s really good at transitioning, he loves to go to daycare.”

Despite the drive, Liska said she has no plans to relocate to Vermillion, because it is less expensive for her to commute than it is for her to move. Additionally, she would be away from the support network of her family.

“It’s much different, and easier, to commute when you have a place to come home to,” Liska said. “If my son is sick, there is someone there to help.”

Liska is taking 17 credits this semester, and said school is her main focus. For other single mothers, she suggests perseverance, especially during a mid-semester slump.

“If you start to break down, and you push through, you feel the most accomplishment,” Liska said. “I can finally see that light at the end of the tunnel.”