HI CHRISTINE, I am writing to you with the hope that my letter to you would be a warning to other young girls like me who get pregnant at an early age.
I am only 17 years old just out of school and recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Christine, things have been hard.
When the child’s father learnt that I was pregnant he at first denied the baby was his and told me it was probably from a friend who I used to talk to. The truth is, me and that friend were never involved sexually.
What made matters worse is that the child’s father is the only man I’ve had sexual intercourse with, so there was no doubt then and no doubt now who is the father of my son. Recently, the child’s father has been coming around and asking me what I need for the child who is now three months old.
Christine, he asked, I told him, but he has not given me a tin of milk yet for the child – even though he works. If it were not for my parents and siblings, I don’t know how I would make it on a day-to-day basis.
I’d like to finish my education; that is, go to evening classes and get a few more certificates so I can improve my lot in life. I wish I had not gotten pregnant, but it is really too late to cry over spilled milk. What’s done is done and I really love my son. That’s why I want to give him a better life by furthering my education.
Sad times
When I see my friends going on to further their education and having fun on weekends I am sad at times that I cannot do the same. However, I know that time spent with my son is quality time. Babies grow up and if there is no stable foundation they can grow up disadvantaged. I don’t want my son to be that way.
I just want to warn young girls to take their education seriously. School time is not a time for young girls to play around. It is a serious time during which they should focus on their education and later seek a job.
I know the challenges I have now of having to raise my son with no help from her father – at least not as yet. I remain hopeful.
Perhaps if I had paid more attention to my education things could have been different, but I will rise like a phoenix. That, Dear Christine, is my dream.
– AD
Dear AD,
Your letter should serve as a warning, or maybe a reminder to teenagers to pay more attention to their education.
You’ve stated that you are learning from your own experiences and I hope that you will do as you’ve stated; that is to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and further your education.
It seems like you are on the right track. You seem to be an intelligent young woman and I wish you well.
– CHRISTINE
