I had my son Damon at age 16. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. I dropped out of school when I was 3 months pregnant and always told myself I can return next year.

Dear Becky — I had my son Damon at age 16. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. I dropped out of school when I was 3 months pregnant and always told myself I can return next year.

I spent the next 2 months arguing with my parents about the decision that was mine and my son’s father, whether to keep my son or have an abortion or give him up for adoption. The next 5 months where normal until the 7th month when I started to experience sickness and cramps. The dr. told me that it was morning sickness though I couldn’t understand why after 7 months I would have morning sickness. Two weeks later my son was born at 5lbs 7oz 19in. I am now 23 yrs old my son will be 7 in October, I achieved my G.E.D in June of 2002 and This past February I enrolled in college to get my Bachelors of Science in Accounting.

The reason I am writing is to let all teen parents know your dreams can come true, it will just take effort and a whole lot of faith in yourself.

Trisha

Dearest Trisha — my name is Lisa and I help Becky at the Stand Up Girl website with some of her e-mail.

You know what Trisha – I just got finished with writing a return letter to a girl that was afraid that she would wind up in welfare because that is what everyone told her would happen. It is young women like you that prove it can be done and I just wanted to encourage her … she can do it.

You know why? You are both Stand Up Girls!

I am so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your story with us. You brightened my day!

Luv Lisa |