It was the summer before my junior year of high school that I found out I was pregnant. I was only 15 years old and very nervous about becoming a mother, and also of informing my mother of the news. I had no choice but to tell her and she told me whatever decision I made, she would support me.

I gave birth to a baby girl and missed 33 days of my junior year of high school for delivery and recovery. Nevertheless I kept school a priority and worked with my teachers to ensure my assignments were completed. When I returned to school I was the mother of a 4-week-old baby girl. Each day when I got home from school my priority was her, then school and finally myself. My mother was there to assist, but not to take over. Many nights I woke up for 3 a.m. feedings and arrived at school by 7:30 a.m. This was truly a difficult task, but I persevered. I attended summer school and night school to ensure I would graduate with my class. By this time I had a 1-year-old cheering me on.

College was always a must for me growing up. People told me I would not be successful in life because I had already ruined it by having a child at such a young age. I was told I would have more children and become a welfare recipient, relying on the taxpayers to care for me and my children. I did not allow this to discourage me even though sometimes I wondered if they were right.

Most of my friends went away to college, but I commuted to be near my daughter and my responsibilities. I went to college full time for three semesters and dropped out. I began working full time and attended school part time. At age 21 I got an apartment but still no degree. My job became priority over pursuing my degree because there were rent and utility bills to pay. My mother would ask when I planned on going back to school and I would tell her, “I will go back.”

As my daughter became older, I noticed she watched me carefully and imitated my actions. It was then that I realized how much of an influence I had on her and how much she admired me. I made the decision to go back to school and did so for two semesters but dropped out again. I felt I was proving those people right who said I would not be successful and that my life was over. It seemed as though I wouldn’t finish anything.

I had dropped out of college three times. Usually the third time is a charm, but not for me because I was a 25-year-old mother with a 9-year-old and still no degree. I decided to go back to school and finish because I was determined to face my obstacles and overcome my barriers.

On April 26, 2008, I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. My daughter is now 13 and an only child. She is in advanced academics and we talk about her going to college. This summer she will go to one of the schools I attended to experience the life of a college student.

I am a witness that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Never let anyone determine your success or aspirations. Even though it took me 10 years after high school to obtain my degree, the important thing is that I earned and obtained it.