A Reflective Autobiography Essay
Name
Institution
Course Title
Due Date
Autobiography
At 17, most girls are thinking about clothes, boys, and parties. That was all I thought about since I was trendy at school. It was great always having a heap of friends, but at the same time, it was complicated being the center of attention. People were always talking about me, wanting to know what I was up to, and talking about me behind my back. I think that was something I struggled with. The other thing I had to endure was that I was a Hispanic minority, which made me feel different from my friends and peers.
I was starting my senior year of high school when I got pregnant. My boyfriend and I had been together for about a year. I was terrified when I learned that I was pregnant and felt a strange calmness about it. I think I was more nervous about telling my parents than actually having the baby. Of course, I was very nervous about how I would be able to care for the baby and how my life would change from what I had planned it to be. My boyfriend was pretty scared too. We had big plans for going to college together and getting married, but this would change everything.
Despite the rollercoaster of emotions I was undergoing at this point. I never considered giving up my kid for adoption. I am adopted, and it was not comfortable having to move from one foster home to another, so I swore that I would strive to do better when and if I ever got pregnant. For the first few months, life was full of ups and downs, and my boyfriend could not take it anymore. We ended our relationship, and I had to take care of our son alone. The break up acted as an eye-opener for me, and I decided to do what was best for my child and me.
I went back to school to finish my high school education. Given my situation, I had to take a General Educational Development (GED) test. It was not how I envisioned, but I was grateful to be getting a second chance. The test was not as bad since it was the same year my high school class was supposed to walk the stage. I feel that people treat me differently for taking GED compared to the students who graduated with a high school diploma. However, I had to take the test if I ever decided to pursue further studies or even apply for a job.
When I turned 22, I decided to go back to school. This time the community college. I attended a trade school to get certified as a dental assistant. I opted for the trade certificate because it is career-specific, and it takes no more than two years. Also, the trade certificate would open doors to a rewarding career and get me credit from hands-on work at apprenticeship or skills training. Being a dental assistant has been something that I have dreamt of from a young age. Getting a kid did not steer my mind of that goal, and now that I got a shot at it, I will do my best for my sake and my son’s.
My son is now seven years and currently in grade 2 at a local school. I love him, and I am amazed by how much he has grown. Being a single mom and doing everything, including working tables to make ends meet, was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I didn’t want to ask for help, but things were adamant during that time. Yet my son was the light in all of it. He was so much fun and made it all worth it. Balancing between casual jobs and studies was difficult, but I was trying to give and my son a better and comfortable life at the end of the day.
Recently I got a job at a dental clinic to work as a dental assistant. One of the reasons that made me chose this career path was that I would impact patients’ lives. Most of the time, I work full time. I help open and close a dental office each day. My typical workday begins from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sometimes; I may have to work evenings to assist during dental procedures or surgeries or make sure the office is prepared and clean for the next business day. Depending on how booked we are, at times, I may have to work even on weekends.
A few weeks ago, while I was cleaning up the clinic before going home, a client walks in. I was quick to say, “Sorry, we are closed for the day.” There was no response, and so I’m forced to turn and look at whoever it was. Standing there was a tall, blue-eyed guy in casual pants and a checked shirt. He seemed to be in his early thirties. His presence filled the room, but then again, I was eager to head home to my son, so I had to ask him to leave politely. He insisted on talking to me and so we got acquainted. The friendship went on considerably, and we ended up getting married. It turns out, and he had been gathering his courage to ask me out. At first, I was unsure if I wanted to introduce someone into my kid’s life, but then after a while, they seemed to enjoy each other’s company, and I also got someone to offer me emotional support.
I always look back from where it all began and hope to encourage someone who might be going through the same. I do not encourage teenage pregnancies. It is best to abstain, if not use protection or take contraceptives to avoid unplanned pregnancies. As for teenage parents, parenting has its up and downs. Though in this case, I am going to focus on the positive. Parenting comes quite naturally as a teenager. Additionally, you might be better than older parents at getting used to the changes that come with children, as well as dealing with little or no sleep. And probably even have lots of energy to keep up with the children.
Even after getting a baby, you still have a right to continue and finish your education. Quitting school to raise a kid should never be an option. If everything proves difficult, you could talk to a social worker or find a counselor to find better education options and plan them. The other thing is not to feel intimidated by taking the GED test since it’s as good as a high school diploma. The best part about finishing your education is getting a better chance of securing a job later and even joining college. The end game of getting educated can support yourself and your family in the future.