A Teen Mom Story

A Woman of Many Faces

Teenage pregnancies is always a hot topic. Statistic always focus on the the negative outcome of becoming a parent at a young age. It is not often that we hear positive stories about teenage mothers that are making strides toward a greater future.

I wanted to share my personal experience about becoming a teenage mother. I was barely a teenager when I had my first child. Despite all odds against me I can proudly say I have emerged into a successful women. I am a woman of many faces. I play various roles each day.

Presently I have three children: Aaron (nineteen) Darrin (sixteen) and Jared (four.) At I also have my brother Vitalis (twenty five) and my five year old Yorkie Maddy. I have experience many bumps along my journey because I chose to parent at an early age but I have shatter many stereotypes placed against many young minority woman. I wrote and composed a zine to share intimate details about some my teenage life experience.

I was inspired to focus on myself after watching several episodes of the MTV reality show 16 and Pregnant. It took me back to memory lane. I could not help but to think HOW POWERFUL! I too have faced many of the decisions as those young ladies. It is scary, but my personal belief is that through communication and education about contraceptive many of these pregnancies could be avoided.

I have no regrets about choosing to keep my children. They are my joy and I love being a mother! It has not been an easy journey, each day I find myself fighting battles. No one understands unless they take the same steps. I am a mother first and also financial provider, student and an educator. The balance between work and motherhood has posed many challenges but I am succeeding. I am a woman of many faces.

In the first photo is Jared

Second image is Aaron, Jared, Darrin and I

http://www.mtv.com/show/16_and_pregnant/season1_1/series.jhtml

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