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Has anybody have one of these problems? Im 18 and about to graduate from high school and just fond out that I was pregnant and due in July. And I had sent out a couple of applications already but know that I am pregnant is it possible for me to get grants or scholorships from being a mother in collage? I just wanted to know if anybody was goign through the same postition that I am. I had everything planned and to let me know if I can still go on with my dreams.

By Wcolsher (Wcolsher) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 11:50 am: Edit

You absolutely can get on with your dreams.

Most obviously, your family economic situation has just changed big time. Having another dependent when the time comes to fill out FAFSA and PROFILE will increase your eligibility.

Since I have a son, I obviously haven't looked into programs for single mothers. If your HS counselor is clueless, talk directly to the financial aid people at the schools you're interested in.

You will also want to ask them about housing for women in your situation if you are going to be living on campus.

You will need a great deal of support from your parents, ideally the father of your child, and darn near everyone else arouond you. Don't be too proud to accept it.

Good luck!

-bc

By Chim_Chim (Chim_Chim) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 11:05 pm: Edit

Have you thought about abortion or adoption?

By Incognitoiamnot (Incognitoiamnot) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 11:09 pm: Edit

Inappropriate post deleted. Poster banned for being a massive jerk.

You know, 90 percent of the rules on this board boil down to two things: play nice. don't run with scissors. It's funny how so many allegedly bright people Just Don't Get It.

--Moderator Obiwan

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 11:15 pm: Edit

There are many colleges that offer help to parents, including single parents. This includes special grants, housing, and support programs.

I would imagine that your best chance for getting help would be to go to a local college, if that's an option. This would allow you easily to get assistance from your parents and your baby's father.

When I taught college, some of my best students were single moms.They were determined to make it because they wanted their children to grow up with good opportunities. One such mom, got pregnant while attending college hundreds of miles from her hometown. She continued school and raised her child without much help from her baby's dad. After graduation got a nice job in the governor's office. Her child now is in gifted programs.

Yes, you can succeed! Best of luck to you.

By Memememe (Memememe) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 11:02 am: Edit

It's not premarital if you never plan on getting married.

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 05:32 pm: Edit

Another post deleted. Minibrit, I told you that if I had to even THINK about whether or not you crossed a line, you would be gone. You're gone.

You've been one of the most consistently churlish, insensitive, smugly narrow-minded posters on this board and if your personality comes through on your apps, it will be interesting to see what institutions desire your presence.

--Moderator Obiwan

By Kikuchi (Kikuchi) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 05:55 pm: Edit

dude...wtf is wrong with you????
Who are you to judge when people can and cannot have sex? And She isn't trying to dump the burden on anyone, she is trying to go to college.
O and yes, it is often the case that children get pregnant at 12, but only when they have genes as •••••• up as yours.

By Koopatroopa (Koopatroopa) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 06:01 pm: Edit

People, we realy do not have enough knowledge of the situation to judge the original poster. Also, I think you've just sparked a fire. I can see this transforming into an argument and erupting into a pointless clash of liberal and conservative views.

Way to assist your fellow human, people. =/

By T2opine (T2opine) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 10:12 pm: Edit

Back to the original post...as far as I know, the scholarships at all the schools i'm looking at don't specifically say that you CAN'T be a teen mother to receive one, but that might depend on the individual school. If the award would be ENTIRELY based on academic performance, then you should certainly be able to get aid (if your stats are in the right range anyway). I don't know much more than that though. And it's DEFINITELY possible to get a degree and be a teen mother. No question it's more difficult, but if you're motivated and dedicated enough, anything is possible. Good luck.

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Friday, December 19, 2003 - 11:09 pm: Edit

Post deleted. Poster already banned.

--Obiwan

By Puppy (Puppy) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 12:19 am: Edit

you should have been born a man. Its going to be an uphill battle.

My "babies' mama" delivered on a remote island in the Irish Sea and theres no pain killers like in america during labour there. Not to mention that but like all the daily stuff she has to do with my babes (triplets!). I can see how it'd be really hard to be a teen woman mother. Teen fathers have it so much easier. I am going to Brown and my sons are now 3 . My "babies' mama" does all the work.

I really don't think you should have the option of going to school (youll probably interpret this as being deliberately anti feminist).
The woman is more important in shaping a child i think, it really is always a woman's duty no matter how much feminists try to pass the ERA or plead for gender equality. If women have babies they need to quit jobs to be around them for period of some years. BTW its kind of selfish that you should go to college. You can always go back.

By Mazzystar (Mazzystar) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 12:37 am: Edit

Quote from deleted post removed. --Obiwan

I find it funny that you are making this presumptious comment. It shows how much of a brain you have. You sound just like 99% of the people from the backwoods of KY (I would know) You you want to instill some morals in someone, maybe you should start with yourself first (and this goes for everyone else who was cruel to the poster) Why should you point out her decision when you've made plenty of bad decisions in your own life. Its not up to you to judge what morals another should follow by.

Back to the original post- You're going to need a lot of support. I'm not sure which schools offer what, but it might be best to stay near your home, like a local college or junior college/community college. I hope you ignore most of the negative posts on here, and strive towards your dream. Make sure you give you baby much attention though. You might want to put off college for awhile, until the child is old enough to be put into childcare, but even then you will need a job to support the child. Definitely seek help from family.

Good luck!

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 12:55 am: Edit

Post deleted.

By Slaquer (Slaquer) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 07:00 am: Edit

Another abusive post, another poster banned.

--Obiwan

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:29 am: Edit

Thisismyname - the way I calculate it, you are only about 10 weeks pregnant. Your first decision needs to be whether or not you plan to continue the pregnancy. I hope you will talk to your parents and any other trusted adults in your life as soon as possible (like TODAY). Planned Parenthood is also a good source of general information about your options.

By Crnchycereal (Crnchycereal) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 12:40 pm: Edit

Minibrit and Slaquer, those are some of the most offensive, cruel-hearted posts I've ever read. Yes, if the act was consensual, then it is her fault for getting pregnant. And who are you to judge and instantly assume that this woman is unintelligent? You make the generalization that all teen-mothers must be stupid and ignorant. Perhaps that is so at your school, but it is not always the case. Furthermore, Slaquer, how the HELL can you suggest that if this was rape, it was partially her fault? Are you HIGH? And then you go so far as to say abortion is the only option (which is not the case, and is in my opinion, a far more selfish action) and that this poster must be and always will be a moron. Honestly, people like you make this world a worse place. I'm sure you would support legalized eugenics if you had the chance.

By Puppy (Puppy) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 01:06 pm: Edit

Yet another offensive post, another poster deleted. The hypocritical sanctimony of calling females having children out of wedlock "ho's" in contrast to the self-serving justification for fathers of children out of wedlock is disgusting. "Fathers don't do that much" indeed.

--Moderator Obiwan

By Crnchycereal (Crnchycereal) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 02:37 pm: Edit

Crunchy, it's young people like you that give me hope for the future. I've read a large number of your posts with interest and I wish you well. --Obiwan

"Unless she got raped, she's a ho"?

Wow....just, wow. Your ignorance never ceases to amaze me. So one, your situation is different because it's "commonplace" in Europe. So that makes this girl a whore, but not your children's mother? Riiiiight. And you're generalizing by saying she must be a ho because this happened to her AND because she's in America. For Christ's sake, for all you know, this happened after one encounter in which not enough precautions were taken. Mistakes happen, but that doesn't mean this person is a whore. Oh, and of course, she must be on drugs too. Christ... And your justification as to why you're not selfish is very interesting indeed. "Fathers don't do that much." Give me a break. It's enuogh to seem them during the summer and Christmas? You're going to have a wonderful family life in the future!

By Sheeprun (Sheeprun) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 03:57 pm: Edit

I had the sad misfortune to read some of these posts moments before Obiwan deleted them.

Kicking someone when they are down is a favorite pastime of someone who has no life at all. Such a person is missing some vital human ingredient, and stands little chance of ever having a pleasant time. For the rest of us, it is just sad to encounter such a miserable human being. As the saying goes: "It takes all kinds."

Sheeprun
<moderator>

By Cutie911 (Cutie911) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 04:15 pm: Edit

"Unless she got raped, she's a ho?"

That is the most offensive thing I have ever read in my life and I hope the banned posters are feeling ashamed for what they said. crnchy, i reciprocate your feelings exactly.

Thisismyname; I sincerely apologize on behlaf of the people who got banned. Not all of us think like that and are close minded pricks who live on bringing other people down.

I think it's amazing that you've decided to continue with your education. Many single mothers probably stop going to school and get a job without the support of the fathers. It's amazing on how you still are goal- oriented.

Yes, it is very possible for you to get scholarships because some of them require you to right an essay on how you overcame challenges in life to continue with your education. You might want to do a quick search on scholarships and also talk with you guidance counselor at school. I'm sure he/she can provide great advice.

Good luck with everything

By Sallyr (Sallyr) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 04:39 pm: Edit

To Thisismyname and any other young woman with a baby and college dreams:

Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, has an opportunity just for you, "The Women With Children Program." Moms and babies live right in college housing and there is child care and lots of support available. (You can even stay in your campus residence year round.) It's my understanding (and I may be wrong here) that this program was underwritten by a generous alumna and is thus very well funded. To read about Wilson College in general, go to: Wilson College. For information about this special program, go to: Women With Children Program.

You have a tough road ahead but not an impossible one. Good luck to you.

By Xtinababy (Xtinababy) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 08:24 pm: Edit

Kicking someone when they are down? heck if i were pregnant id be thrilled. being pregnant is the only way to prove to the world that you've had sex. I wish i had bragging rights like that.

The only thing you are proving to the world is that you are a poor example of a human being.

Sheeprun
<moderator>

By Sallyr (Sallyr) on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 08:34 pm: Edit

TO COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL SITE VISITORS:

Please use this forum to stick to the topic at hand and not as a platform for your personal views on reproduction issues.

Yes, these issues are often worthy of debate, but this is a site for college-related information. Kindly respect that.

Thank you.