I Found out I was pregnant at the beginning of my Senior year of high school. I had just turned 18 a few months before. Me and my Boyfriend, Kyle, had only been together for 10 Months. I had virtually no symptoms except extreme exhaustion which is why I didn’t find out till i was almost 8 weeks. I missed my period for a second time (keep in mind, I had always had a irregular period) so I had a weird feeling, I knew before I took a test that something was different going on with me. And sure enough my test read “Pregnant”. Complete fear came over me and i was just shaking. I immediately called Kyle and we were both speechless and didn’t know what we were going to do or how we were going to tell our parents but we knew we had each other.A few days later, we decided to tell our parents that night separately. My mom and step dad weren’t supportive at all and it was quite traumatic for me. I had to run away to ensure the safety of my baby but I won’t get too detailed into that part. However, Kyle’s Family, while disappointed at first, were so supportive being young parents themselves and I’m forever grateful for everything they did for me and still do for Us. I moved in with Kyle and his family the following day we told them. I didn’t see my mom or step dad for several months but eventually they understood my decision to keep our baby and I have them another chance. Now I am grateful for everything they do for Us now. This huge change in my life was very rough on me there were many night I couldn’t stop crying. It took me a long time to adjust. About two weeks later I had my first ultrasound, and I saw my baby for the first time and It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

For the next weeks and months I continued to have the easiest pregnancy ever, no morning sickness or anything. I joined our PEP program at school. It’s a class and a program for teen parents. They taught you what to expect and how to take care of yourself it was amazing and to this day I still consider my pep teacher, Mrs. Reyes, a close friend and mentor. She is still someone I go to when I need advice on relationships, Family drama, and parenting advice. Through that class I made some of my closest friends, Cathy and Carmelita, who were going through the same thing I was. Soon, we started to discover more teen moms, Holly and many more! We created our support system for each other and I’m forever grateful for those girls and the many more who have entered our lives because of teen pregnancy.I decided to still be as active as ever in FFA showing goats and Traveling all over Texas competing on the Wildlife team, we received 2nd at state when I was 7 months pregnant. The last couple weeks of school my blood pressure was starting to get really high and i was beginning to develop preeclampsia. The second to last week of I went in for my last doctor appointment and she told me I needed to be induced before I developed preeclampsia. So I was scheduled to deliver at 38 and a half weeks along. The night before I went to the hospital I still went to prom and had fun with all my friends.

The next day, on May 20th we went to the hospital and on May 21st at 1:19 PM, I had Our beautiful daughter with no complications! I had a wonderful experience at the hospital, All my nurses were so sweet and amazing! Five days after giving birth, both Kyle and I walked across the stage and graduated! 

Fast forward to now, We have a beautiful and sassy 18 month old daughter Rylee. Kyle and I both are both Sophomores at Blinn in Sealy, Texas and I’m studying to be an Ag Teacher. I have not let being a teen parent affect what i wanted to do with my life. I knew i still wanted to go to school and get a degree. Kyle and I have been together for almost 3 years and in September he asked me to marry him. We still are living with his parents but will be moving into our own house in several months. I’m lucky enough to be able to stay at home with Rylee while kyle works. Kyle is absolutely an amazing dad and fiancé and busts his ass to make sure we have everything we need and want. I absolutely love my life and wouldn’t change it for the world.

My advice to young moms or moms to be is keep pushing through. I know it’s tough but things will get better. Your child will look up to you so set the right example for them. While I got many looks during school and still to this day, I haven’t received any judgement for being a teen mom and I think now a days people are starting to see young moms more and becoming used to the idea.