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By Tricia Goyer
 Sunlight filtered through my bedroom window. Schoolbooks and homework lay scattered across the bed. I sat, pencil and calculator in hand, attempting to solve a complex math equation. Finally getting the answer, I went to jot it in my notebook. Suddenly my pencil skidded across the paper as a small foot connected with my arm.
"Hey," I glanced at my baby boy, who cooed and kicked some more.
From the moment I discovered I was pregnant, school was a big concern. I was still in high school at the time, and I’d been an honor roll student. Yet when I found out I was pregnant, one thing concerned me more than my education . . . what would my friends or my teachers think about me showing up with an ever-expanding abdomen? I hated the thought of going to school pregnant, of seeing the “looks,” of watching my old boyfriend with his newest girlfriend. So I quit. I stopped going. My life changed, just like that.
The first few months after dropping out were horrible. I was sick and depressed. I felt isolated. Both of my parents worked. My friends continued with their normal activities. I was outgrowing my clothes, and my life didn’t fit, either.
What am I going to do? I wondered. Hide away forever? Become a hermit who lives off her parents’ good graces?
Thankfully, I had a high school counselor who wouldn’t let me give up so easily. He told me exactly how many credits I needed to graduate. It was less than I thought, and the counselor and I talked about various ways to get my diploma. I attended an alternative school for three hours a day, three days a week, doing most of my work at home. Suddenly, I felt like my life had purpose again.
My credits were finished by May, and I received my high school diploma three weeks before my son was born. I knew continuing my education would help me prepare for a bright future for my son and myself, so I didn’t take much time to relax after receiving my diploma. That summer, I visited my community college. And for the next two years, I was a college student.
Perhaps you’re wondering about your schooling choices. While some young moms stay in regular high school, there are numerous other options to check out. The key is getting information and setting reachable goals.
Here are some great places to start:
- Visit a guidance counselor. Arrange an appointment with a high school guidance counselor in your district. This counselor can give you ideas for getting your diploma. This may include home study programs, alternative or sister schools, or even night classes.
- Consider a GED. GED stands for “General Educational Development” testing service. The GED is a good choice if you’re not able to attend school or if you have trouble finding childcare. There are numerous books at your local library that can help you can study. Some programs that offer free tutoring or even free childcare! For more information about the GED, click here.
- Check out your local community college. In recent years, community colleges have developed programs to help young parents meet their educational goals. Most young moms can benefit from financial grants that don’t need to be paid back! There are also college work-study programs that can pay you wages for work done on campus. (I graded other people’s papers for money!) Visit your local community college’s financial department for more information about what’s available for you.
- Ask your Teen MOPS leaders for help. If you need help with educational choices and don’t know where to start, Teen MOPS leaders can help. While they may not have all the answers, they usually can help you make the right Connections.
As a young mother, setting goals for your schooling choices takes courage and ambition, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and your child. Getting your high school diploma or your GED can help you 1) get a better job, 2) continue your education, and 3) feel better about yourself and your dreams!
Today, I’m a mom with three kids, and I write books and articles for a stay-at-home job. My firstborn isn’t a baby any longer. In fact, now I help my son with his math homework. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and think I’m a better role model for my kids because I stuck with my education.
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