A Message from Ms. Courtney

This is just the beginning...

So, you're a mother now. How do you feel? Excited, Scared, Tired? Probably all of those plus more. I'm sure you've heard all of the statistics that predict you and your babies' future now that you are a young mother. They say that you'll have more babies, drop out of school and end up on welfare. They say your daughters will be teen moms, and your sons will end up in jail. That's what THEY say. What do YOU say?

I say its up to you how your life turns out. Don't accept the stereotype and don't use your new responsibility as an excuse to fall off. If anything, this is the time to get on your job even harder. Your child deserves the best that life has to offer - a life full of love, support and encouragement, and it is your responsibility to do your best to provide those things. You may have help and support from others, but it is up to YOU to be the best that you can be for yourself and your son or daughter.

It's going to be hard sometimes, and you may want to quit, but don't. If you need help, reach out to older people with experience for knowledge and support. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are so many resources available to you as young mothers and I urge you to take advantage of them. Finish school, find a career, start a business, the world is yours. Use this new responsibility as a stepping stone not a stumbling block. The love you have for your child should be used as fuel to motivate you to keep going even when times are hardest.

I had my first daughter at 16. I remember how hard it was just getting out of bed some days. I know that you miss out on a lot of the things you used to be able to do, and that the responsibility is sometimes overwhelming. If you believe in yourself, make positive choices, and use the resources that are available to you, you will start to see the rewards of your hard work. Do something every day to move yourself forward, and never allow anyone to tell you you can't do it. You can...you have to. Your baby is counting on you.

I am always available to answer any questions that come up and provide you with any resources that I may have access to. Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, feedback or just to say hello. I would love to hear from you!

Courtney