From teen mom to college graduate

Rose May Pimentel in Ang Pinoy Stories

May 10, 2020 • 3 min Read

Being a student is hard. But being a mother at the same time is harder.

I was in my first semester of the second year in college when I found out I was pregnant. I was going to school pregnant but eventually stopped in the second semester because of pregnancy risk. After I gave birth, with the support of my father, I decided to go back to school to finish college because I would like to continue pursuing my dreams, hoping that I could give my daughter a better future. I also wanted to inspire her because how can I tell her to go after her dreams if I am not following mine. So, I tried my best. I repeated my mantra countless times, “Can’t stop, won’t stop chasing my dreams.”

Now, at the age of 21, I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism this year at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Last May 8 would have been our graduation day but it was postponed because of the pandemic. Being a student mom may be extremely exhausting, complicated, and challenging but all the hard work, sacrifices, struggles and downfalls will soon be paid off, it will all be worth it. I’m very happy that I’m having my diploma but I’m happiest knowing I already have my trophy (my daughter).

My family, partner, and in-laws have been a huge source of support and a major part in taking care of my now 3-year-old daughter. And of course, I could not have overcome the everyday struggles of being a student teen mom without God, so thank you, Lord, all glory belongs to You.

A friend told me once, “Nadapa ka man ngayon, bumangon ka. Sa buhay, hindi ka pwedeng huminto. Pwede kang magpahinga, pagtapos nito magpatuloy kang muli sa paglalakad.” (Like the famous Japanese proverb, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.) I have always kept it in mind. I’m glad and grateful that my friends were also one of my multiple support systems throughout my journey.

Being a young parent is not something to be proud of but looking on the bright side, I became more responsible and aware of what I do. I have learned so many things and I have changed my life for the better. And as a person who has a child at a young age, attaining a college degree is a huge accomplishment.

If you are a young parent, it does not mean that your life is over, it is not the end of your dreams and goals. You can still work towards them whenever you are ready. And just because somebody says you cannot do it does not mean you cannot do it, because you can, if you want to. People will judge you, say negative things about you but do not let others hold you back from anything or doing anything, instead take their bad words and use it to inspire you to work harder.

To all the teen moms out there, I would like to greet you a Happy Mother’s Day, go forward, defy the odds and be the best you can be.

Writing this as a teen mom, I would not like to promote teenage pregnancy, instead, I would like to inspire those who have the same situation as mine. Being a young parent is a big responsibility and the consequences are hard. Enjoy your youth and study hard.