Juggling high school and motherhood

Dear Diary,

I AM 17 years old. I started having sex when I was 15 years old. Although I was not using any form of protection, it never occurred to me that I could get pregnant. I was just having fun and not thinking about any danger. It never occurred to me that I could get a sexually transmitted infection either.

Motherhood has been really tough and challenging compared to my normal teenage life, as I have a lot of responsibilities.

My life has changed drastically because things that I normally do I can't do them again. My parents treat me differently now.

Going back to school after having a child has been really hard. I am now trying to qualify for university and doing four more subjects. I already have three that I took when I was at the Women's Centre Foundation of Jamaica.

Overwhelmed

On my first morning back at school in September, I was so overwhelmed and happy, but when I entered my first class I was so shy and afraid to even open my mouth. Three months into returning to the classroom, things have become very hard. I have to try to juggle taking care of my daughter, my homework and School Based Assessments. I have to wake up early in the morning to pack her things and get myself ready for school, and pick her up in the evenings.

I am getting used to the routine though, and her dad is helping me with her.

As a teen mother, I would say to teenagers, you are young, brilliant and have a lot ahead of you. Sex is not going anywhere. Sex can be deadly. There are a lot of consequences for having sex. Go to school and enjoy your parties and your teen lives. To my fellow teen moms, I know it is hard to deal with kids at our young age, but if I can do it, so can you. We will overcome all obstacles.

Important Fact: In 2008, 10 children were recorded as the fourth child for girls aged 15-19 years old.