She is 22 and beautiful. She?s seen as a role model by her peers. Already armed with a B.Sc. in biology, she?s awaiting acceptance into the University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Medicine. And up until six days ago, she wore one of two most coveted titles in the island ? Miss Jamaica World ? and a crown too.

But there ends the list of what separated her from millions of young women the world over. Like those women, Sara Lawrence became pregnant at what is now being regarded as the wrong time.

Media and public response to her pregnancy announcement and decisions to keep her baby and relinquish her crown came fast and furious. She is convinced she did the right thing, so before the dust settled Sara sat down to share her story in an exclusive interview with Flair.

Barbara Ellington: Do you feel that you have let down those who saw you as a role model?

Sara Lawrence: Yes, in a sense I have and for that I am extremely sorry. But, I still have a responsibility to do what is right. If I may be permitted to quote Martin Luthur King Jr., he said ?The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.? Role models are first of all human and are expected to be honourable and possess a measure of integrity in all circumstances. I believe that I have acknowledged what has happened and that the honourable thing to do is not to cover up but rather to fulfil my moral obligation to do what I believe is right and with the help of God that is exactly what I am determined to do.

Did you plan to have children at some point in your life and now that it?s going to happen, how is it affecting you emotionally?

Yes, I love children and they are a part of my life?s plan. I knew there would be consequences resulting from my decision to have this child but I am convinced that even with the challenges, all things will ultimately work towards accomplishing God?s plan for my life. Emotionally, there still remains some anxiety especially in light of the publicity. However, I accept and I am dealing with the ramifications of my decision with the support of family and friends continue to be a great source of strength.

And what of the father of your child?

I would rather not discuss him at this time except to say that he and his family are very supportive of me.

And your studies, will those continue too?

Certainly. I have applied to the UWI and if I am successful, I will definitely go. I am prepared for the challenges and now more than ever, I am driven to excel.

What kind of mother do you see yourself as? You spoke glowingly of your parents when we worked on the guest editors issue of ?Flair? recently, what do you think your experience will be?

My family is loving and stable so the morals and Christian values they have taught me, will be passed on to my child. I will naturally be anxious to be a good parent and will be relying heavily on the support I know I will receive from them.

What has been the most surprising response to your news so far and are you sorry you entered the contest?

The overwhelmingly positive response from so many people has served to reinforce my belief in the caring nature of the Jamaican people. I do not regret having entered the contest but must face up to the present realities. I do not take lightly the fact that as Miss Jamaica World, I was a public figure, yet I believe even with relinquishing the title, I can and will remain a model of integrity.

Besides the title, what else will you have to give up?

I cannot say right now. I am simply trying to deal with the changes one day at a time.

And your biggest concern as the weeks unfold?

I hope that I will get understanding from everyone. I have humbled myself and acknowledged the disappointments. My greatest concern is that this story of my life is not sensationalised as not to reflect my true personality. Having acknowledged my situation, I made the decision to relinquish the title in keeping with the ideals of the contest. I am still the same Sara who will always appreciate the outpouring of love received from the general public but my life has to be lived on another level now and I hope that people will understand and respect that.

Comment on the fact that you were working with children left orphaned by HIV/AIDS and yet everyone now assumes you were not practising safe sex.