Stories

Jessie shares her lessons learned in Washington, DC

My name is Jessie. I was 15 years old when I got pregnant. I didn’t even know how to change a diaper and now here I was having a baby. I was scared and confused out of my mind, what would become of me? I had a rough pregnancy; I was always sick and depressed. My baby was born premature and only weighted 4lbs. 11 oz. I cried every time I had to enter the NICU. It made matters worse for me to hear the nurses whisper such things as, “What is this little girl doing having a baby?” or “Good luck to her.” I just let them know I heard them and said, “Thanks for the luck.” Imagine someone telling you, “Aw, your little brother is so adorable.” You just learn to ignore people. I give much credit to the PEARLS program for helping me become the lady that I am today. Before I was in PEARLS, my self-esteem was very low but the help and support I received has made me come a long way from that point. I am very grateful for this program because I’ve gained so much knowledge about relationships, discipline and, most important, life itself. I’ve learned to have a positive outlook on life no matter how bad it gets. I celebrated my son’s second birthday the same day as my high school graduation. It was a special coincidence with a great meaning behind it, telling me that this was meant to happen. It proved to me that, yes, I am a strong, determined young woman who can overcome anything that comes my way.

P.S. I graduated from high school and now in college majoring in criminal justice.