As Whispered 2.com...Sharing Encouraging Words

As Whispered 2...

Sharing Encouraging Words

Ask Anything

I am an 18 year-old, full-time college freshman and a part-time worker who is
five months pregnant. My entire family (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunt,
and uncles) is disappointed in me and in my choices. However, since I have
demonstrated to them that I am committed to continuing my education, they’ve
become very supportive of me. As long as I remain focused on my college
studies (I was awarded an academic scholarship), my family ensures me that
they will remain in my corner and support me and my baby financially until I
finish college and find a full-time job - which are my plans. However, some of
these same family members are really negative, at times, and it really hurts
me. I don’t like being constantly criticized and categorized for being pregnant,
even though I am working hard to do what I need to do to take care of my baby
and me, now and in the future. What should I do?

You are already doing it. I commend you for your decision to continue pursuing
your higher education. Stay focused academically and take care of yourself
physically to ensure that you’ve done your part to secure the birth of a healthy
baby. However, you do have a lot on your plate. College and a job, part-time or
full-time, are all very time-consuming. Now, you have added a baby into the
equation, which will definitely require more energy and self-discipline. You are
blessed to have the support of your immediate family, who may have been
worried because you chose to make things a lot harder for yourself before you
yourself were ready – academically, financially and emotionally. However, with
your apparent drive and determination, in addition to your supportive family, I am
sure you will be fine.

As far as categorizing and criticism goes, this is always voiced in situations
where customary or traditional thinking is not followed. Do not think that your
situation is any different. You and your family seem to be close, so have a talk
with those voicing the constant criticism to let them know how this makes you
feel. If this is not successful, which I am sure it will be, surround yourself more
with the encouraging family members. Continue to strive for excellence and do
not let a detour, slight or major, keep you from focusing and achieving success
on your chosen path. The important thing to remember is to not feed into the
sarcasm, allowing it to define who you are. Stay prayerful, remember whose you
are, and ask Him to help you to stay positive in the mist of the negativity. You
deserve a bright future and you owe one to your baby.