“Push, push, push,push,” said the doctor and group of witnesses. Then, there he was my first little bundle of joy, a boy I might add.
I was 20, 5ft. 1in., and previously, before pregnancy of course, 105 lbs as I delivered my son weighing in at 8lbs. 14oz with his father’s height pretty definite in his future by being 20 3/4.
While pregnant, I continued on in college at Southeastern Louisiana University and planned to return a semester after having my son.
Ivana Ellis with her son on her graduation day at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA in May 2011. Photo courtesy of Denia Ellis.
However, along the way I was told by a friend’s grandmother that I would not go back after having a baby but guess what, I graduated on May 14, 2011 and could not be more ecstatic to tell those who believe young mothers will never continue on after having a child that I did and would do the same over and over again if I had to.
The biggest struggle of caring for my son during my college years was feeling I was putting pressure on my significant other, whom is my son’s father.
Late nights of doing major projects for my major such as a 25 paper at least, along with finding at least 20 journal articles that dealt with my thesis paper topic about how females are potrayed.
Fortunately to say, I have a supportive man who encouraged me all the way. Also, yes, I did complete that extremely long paper with 31 pages and a letter grade of a B.
My graduation day was perfect! I even received my first car from my loving parents, but not without shedding a ton of happy tears.The weather was beautiful. I had my family there. Graduation day for me meant even more because I had my son. It gave me power to know that as long as I stay focus and know I have to have my goal, I could and I did. Most importantly, I knew I had stepped on a statistic and no one could take that away.
Written September 2011.
Breathe In Letters, Exhale Words 