Teen Pregnancy 

S. Upshaw , HRM

Teen pregnancy seems to be looked upon differently today, like this is just how it's going to be from now on. This view of this "trend" is scary.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not totally against teen pregnancy because I was 15 when I had my first child and it was not easy and it's still hard today, 11 years later. But what I am against is teens running around and having babies and not taking care of them to the best of their abilities. That’s what I’m against!  

I believe that there should be mandatory parenting classes for youths under 25 who decide to become a mother. If you make that leap to become a mother, then make that same leap to become a responsible parent.

It is by no means easy. Even with the child’s father in the picture, stuff gets real hard sometimes and you just have to breathe and think about what's best for your child. I am now 27 and I have 3 children 11, 8, and 6 months, and I work full time while going to university part-time.  

Everyday I'm still struggling but everyday it also gets a little easier. Just keep in mind, young ladies, that you have more talent to offer to your communities. You can do more for your generation today and the ones to come.

Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic!!!