Meet Joe and Lisa Chascsa, '06

Balancing Parenthood, Marriage & Their Careers While Earning Degrees

Through sickness, health, and final exams that could not have come at a worse time, Lisa and Joe Chascsa, of Delran, N.J., juggled parenthood and dual careers to earn their college degrees together. The 2006 alums said earning their degrees at the same time has been a rewarding endeavour that also had its challenges. The Chascsas recalled one panicky evening when they were both scheduled to take a proctored final exam on the same evening, but could not find a babysitter for their two small children.

With no other options, they took the children with them. Lisa Chascsa took her exam first.

“When she finished, the kids and I met her in the lobby where we swapped the children in order for me to take my final,” recalled Joe Chascsa, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. “I always thought that this story summed up how busy Lisa and I could get, but also how Thomas Edison State College allowed us to fit in the time to finish our degrees.”

Joe’s wife, Lisa, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology, echoed that sentiment.

“Thomas Edison State College allowed us to take classes, complete assignments and take exams at our convenience,” she said.