3 results for tag: J4YF

Young Parents Rise!

J4YF Blog Series: Young Parents Speak Out! Written by: Mariela Vazquez Before having my baby, the thought of having a child never existed in my mind. The whole idea of being a parent was the least of my worries. My life changed the day I found out I was pregnant. Although I do admit that finding out I was pregnant added worry, becoming a parent has also been a touching and heart-felt experience. My beautiful daughter has given me so much inspiration. When she was born I transferred to a continuation school to be with my baby because I wanted to see her grow up. I had many struggles including often long walks in the rain and  in the hot sun, ...

Let me make this promise: Comprehensive Healthcare Access for Young Latinas

*By Mara Minguez, M.D., MSc One experience in particular has stayed with me. I vividly recall a 15 year old who in response to her pregnancy diagnosis stated, “It would not only kill my dreams… it hurts me more to kill my parents’ dreams.”  In that moment, she did not yet realize that she had a choice. If she wanted to be a parent at 15, all was not lost, she could still turn her and her parents’ dreams into reality. Yes, many young parents lack the resources needed to achieve their dreams.  Many young parents do not have access to financial resources and still many more may lack family support especially when faced with ...

Celebrating young mamas!

Written by: Christina Martinez May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, a particularly hard month for pregnant & parenting youth as they are subject to constant reminders of the ways in which their parenthood is a burden to society, the economy, and their communities. From the start, young parents are told that their pregnancy and/or child will substantially limit their chances at any success in life, which eats away at whatever self-assuredness they might posses. Parenting on it’s own is hard, but parenting while being bombarded with negative messaging is debilitating to our communities. Add to that the enormous pressure of saving face ...