Student Ambassador Champions Community for Coug Parents 

Aunjelique Andersen was already a working professional, mother of two, community volunteer, and foster parent before she began her online studies in media innovation in the fall of 2024. A self-described “go-getter,” Andersen has since made the most of her time at WSU Global Campus; not only does she serve as a student ambassador and participate actively in First Generation Cougs, but she is also the president of Cougs & Cubs, a club run for and by current Global Campus students who are also parents and caregivers.  

“Our goal,” says Andersen, “is to connect students who have kids or are caregivers for younger kids. That could look like an aunt going to school who’s also caring for her niece or nephew… anybody who takes on that caregiver role.”   

As the president of Cougs & Cubs, Andersen organizes monthly meetings that benefit Cougar parents and their children alike. Students are given the opportunity to build community with their peers who experience some of the same challenges and joys of parenting and caregiving while pursuing a degree. Through the social element of the club meetings, participants are able to share ideas, strategies, and resources that others may benefit from. Andersen herself has imparted wisdom and advice informed by her own experiences in mothering and fostering.   

Meanwhile, there is plenty more at these virtual club meetings for little ones to look forward to. Each month, Andersen selects a new book to read with the group, often incorporating interactive prompts and elements to help children fully engage. Her selections are always intentional, with the goal of making children feel seen and understood. This month, she’ll be reading Angela DiTerlizzi’s Some Pets! With both parents and their children involved, these Cougs & Cubs meetings facilitate invaluable family time while simultaneously forming connections between students.  

Part of what drove Andersen to take on this role and involve young children in Global Campus activities was her goal to inspire them to go to college themselves. She says that “in doing school and being an older student, I was still able to show my kid, who’s ten, and even my eighteen-year-old foster, that it’s never too late to go to school, that you can work and have family time and still be able to rock it!”  

When asked what advice she’d give other parents or caregivers considering going back to school, Andersen spoke to the merits of WSU Global Campus and the wealth of resources it provides. “There are services for everything,” she said, speaking to the campus’ many resources that can advise students on everything from financial planning to mental wellness to civic engagement. She also shared how students in all stages of their educational journeys can reach out to ambassadors like her for guidance from someone who’s been in their shoes. 

Reflecting on her own journey, Andersen gives these words of assurance and encouragement: “You can still work. You can still raise kids. You can work around your schedule. If you have balance and organization, you will thrive.”  

About the Author

Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.