Molly's Story and Advice from a Single Mom

I was sitting in class next to a girl named Molly*. Molly told me she was 21, and has a 2 year old son named Austin*. As we were getting to know each other, I told her about this blog and that I needed a new topic to write about. She told me to write about her story.

Molly was 19 when she got pregnant and gave birth to a 7 pound 6 ounce baby boy. Austin's father, Justin*, denied him from the moment Molly got pregnant and has never been in the baby's life. Matter of fact, Justin kicked Molly out when she was 3 months pregnant and has since lived with her adoptive parents and sister. Molly got a court order for a paternity test and it was confirmed that Austin was indeed Justin's baby. Justin, after 2 years, just began making child support payments in August.

Molly decided to go back to school (she was at NSCC before she found out she was pregnant) to better her future. She told me of her struggles and current problems while being a mom, going to school and working overnight shifts.

I know that Molly isn't the only single mom going to North Shore and she asked me to give out this advice to those in a situation just like her own/how to prevent yourself from being in one:

1. Never give up, you have to keep pushing yourself forward.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

3. Go back to school! And continue on if possible. (Starting back at a community college was the best choice she says she has made and wants to transfer to a 4 year school and major in Nursing.)

4. Use protection! (As corny as it sounds, do it!)

I personally look up to Molly. She works close to 35 hours a week, mostly overnight shifts, to support herself and her baby. Thankfully her mother will watch Austin while she can but they struggle with money and keeping up with bills and payments. If you find yourself or someone you know in this situation, leave a comment with your own comments, concerns and advice.

* The star after the name means the name has been changed for the privacy of the person being talked about.