Student make sacrifices to attend SU, for his son

So many men take pride in being playas. Yet, when it is time to deal with the consequences of promiscuity, their name is suddenly Michael Jackson, Billie Jean isnot his lover, and the kid is DEFINITELY NOT their son.
Yet, every so often there are a few males willing to sacrifice childish ways and be real men. Jason Jenkins, a 25-year-old mechanical engineering major from Baton Rouge, is one of those rare and priceless treasures.
This is Jenkins’ first semester at Southern University. He graduated from high school in ’94, and six years later he became a father.
“I was working in construction making $500-600 a week which was good money for a bachelor with no real responsibilities,” Jenkins said. “But when my son came along and I wanted to change jobs, I realized that I didn’t have very many options without a college degree.”
Needless to say, being a single dad and a full—time student comes with sacrifices.
“I had to leave behind those days of ALWAYS kickin’ it, and all those things that come along with ALWAYS kickin’ it,” said Jenkins with a smile, “but my son is absolutely worth it. He is my inspiration. I have to be here for him because he looks to me–to Daddy for help.”
When asked if he had any problems with classes because of his son, he replied that he did earlier this semester because Jadon was not situated in a daycare. He attempted to bring him to class but was greeted at the door by his professor who said, “Ohhh, I love children, but it seems like you have a problem.”
“Southern University should have a daycare on campus,” said Jenkins . There is a Head Start program at Southern, but only for 3-5 year-olds.
“What about people with younger kids who are trying to get started?” said Jenkins.
Jenkins and his son’s mother, Piper Barley,who attends Clark Atlanta University, are separated. They rotate their time with little 17 month-old Jadon in several week intervals.
“When he is in Atlanta with his mom, it is like a part of me is missing. I don’t understand men who choose not to be actively involved in the lives of their children,” said Jenkins.
“Maybe a lot of brothas don’t take on the responsibility because they are not taught.” He further explained that “women are taught to be mothers at very early ages with Cabbage Patch dolls and Water Babies. Men aren’t taught to be fathers.”
“As a result,” he goes on to say, “even the men that choose to be in their children’s life prefer to wait until they are old enough for Little League, or at least out of diapers and talking. They miss the joys of the infant stages. Like one day, they cannot turn over, and then all of a sudden they can. I am glad that I am around to enjoy every stage of his life–no matter how hard my life may get.”