Imagine waking up at 4 a.m. for a day of class and work, then coming home to make dinner for two kids.
There is no time for checking Facebook or for workouts at Ramsey.
Kristina Summers, a senior from Statham, has two sons, aged 2 and 9.
She is a full-time student at the University majoring in public relations and minoring in sociology.
Even though she recently was downsized from her position as a client account representative for Dynasty Healthcare at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, she still maintains a busy schedule as a mother, full-time student and charity worker.
Summers, 27, graduated from high school 10 years ago but returned to attend the University three years ago. She married her first husband immediately out of high school and spent the next three years raising her first child.
"I never got to be a teenager," Summers said.
After separating and eventually divorcing her husband, she entered the working world and began to plan her return to college.
For Summers, a college degree is more than a piece of paper. It's her stepping-stone to a better future for her family.
"I want to be able to not only get a good job and give my kids the life they deserve, but also give myself the chance to make the world a better place," Summers said.
With her children fueling her desire to succeed in school, Summers pushes through a grueling schedule and doesn't complain.
"She recognizes the sacrifices now with the hope and firm belief that she will provide a better future for them," said Dustin Els, her husband and the father of her youngest son.
Now back in college, she is attempting to make up for lost time.
"Now that I'm an adult and have children, I'm in the process of mending my soul," Summers said.
For the past year, Summers has worked with the ONE Campaign chapter at the University, part of a national campaign to fight AIDS and extreme poverty.
As a member of ONE, Summers coordinated a benefit concert last year for the Amani Children's Home in Tanzania, a shelter for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
With her determination, Summers raised approximately $1,000 for the children's home.
"She got people to commit to being part of the concert because of her great leadership skills and attention to details," said Mike Batell, former executive director of ONE University chapter. "Her commitment and motivation and ability to motivate others is inspiring."
Summers is also a team leader for the AIDS Walk Atlanta.
With the two boys, school and charity work, her alone time with Els is limited.
Whenever the two have any free time to spend together, they generally stay in.
"We're big movie buffs," Summers said. "Old movies, even silent films, are great, and we always enjoy analyzing a movie or two in our spare time."
Even with all of her other obligations, Summers has maintained a 3.6 grade point average while balancing class, work and her family life.
"She is a much harder worker than the average student here," said Matthew Henry, her former graduate instructor in economics.
Summers tries to take at least 12 hours of classes each semester to get the most out of her time at the University and reads all the assignments for her classes.
"She's concerned more with learning," Henry said. "She always kept up with the reading and asks questions day to day, not just right before the test."
Summers has to study during her lunch hour or after the kids go to sleep, forcing her to use her time as efficiently as possible.
"She expresses a genuine desire to learn everything she can," Els said.
Summers is graduating this May and aspires to work as a public relations practitioner with environmental and public advocacy groups.
"I have to do these things. I have to do well in school, have to be a good parent and have to be passionate about my work," Summers said.
"My intention is to leave the world a better place than I found it."