At just 16, I sat on the edge of my bed with tears streaming down my face, staring in shock at the two pink lines that had just changed my life. My little sister sat next to me. I didn’t know what to do. I’d been spending time with a guy for a few months, and things had slowly gotten serious between us. I thought I loved him. I never imagined this would happen. I always dreamed of going to college, living life like other girls my age. But that day, everything changed.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
I cried for hours. My sister held my hand and told me I’d be okay. I could barely speak. She reminded me that I had helped raise her, and she believed in me. Her words meant everything.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
When my mom walked in, she could tell something was wrong. I looked at her and said, “I’m pregnant.” Her face changed. She looked so disappointed. My stepdad came into the room yelling. He said I had to get an abortion since I was underage. But I knew I had a choice. I decided to keep the baby.
At my first ultrasound, I heard the heartbeat. That sound told me I was doing the right thing.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
My parents told me if I was keeping the baby, I had to move out. So I left. I was still in high school and moved in with my boyfriend’s family. At school, people stared. Some whispered. One person even told me my child didn’t deserve me. I lost almost all my friends. I felt alone.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
That summer, I took online classes and worked at a fast food place. I saved every penny. On November 13, I gave birth to my daughter, Ella. I was terrified. A nurse who had also been a teen mom stayed with me. She told me, “You’ve got this.” When they placed Ella in my arms, I felt peace. I knew I’d give her everything I could.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
I finished high school ahead of schedule, and I was the first one in my family to ever do it. I used my savings to take a nursing assistant course. At 18, I got a hospital job. I waitressed at night. Later, I found out Ella’s dad cheated. I moved out and raised her alone. It was hard. I cried often. I barely slept. But I never gave up.
Courtesy of Teale Kelley
In 2019, I graduated with a nursing degree. I walked across that stage with tears in my eyes. Being a teen mom didn’t ruin me. It gave me purpose. I’d do it all again for Ella.
