Then I came to PEARLS. A program for parenting teens from Crittenton Services of Greater Washington that was in my high school. From the minute I walked in I felt a connection with the other girls who were navigating the challenges of teen parenthood and the staff listened, believed, and did not judge me for having a child and still wanting to pursue my education. Then I became pregnant again, even while on birth control and taking all the precautions I still became pregnant and this time for sure I thought my life was over. But Crittenton was still there. I didn’t have to give up my dreams. My dreams had to become my reality.

The amazing thing is that those words got to me. Having one person believe in me sparked a feeling of worth. I wanted to hold on to that sense of empowerment. I had let go of so many things already but I decided to stand strong and I was not going to let go of that. And while things at home were only getting worse, I stayed determined and kept waking up every morning to go to school. I kept putting up with my kids’ father’s drinking and abuse to continue school. Then one day I learned that there was help for a girl like me. I didn’t have to put up with him; I didn’t have to allow my children to experience that. But where was I going to get that courage? Unfortunately for me, it took him beating me in front of my 22-month old and three- month old for me to take a stand to leave. I had to have them witness me on the floor, sore and bruised for me to get up and grab the courage to walk away and not look back. I finished high school, went to college, and I now work as director of external relations for Crittenton Services of Greater Washington DC.

I stay committed to Crittenton because I don’t want girls to realize how much they’re worth too late. I want them to shine their light with all their might because they’re worth it and because they have so much potential.