Name:	Laura
Country:	USA
State:	Utah
Age:	19
Special Talents:	Tuning my parents and college professors out. :)
Hobbies:	Reading, writing, daydreaming, playing pool, painting, see my website for more info
Where do you work?	at my college in the registrar's office
Were you working when you became pregnant? If yes, doing what?	Yes--I was working as a telemarketer
Are you in school?	Yes, I'm a sophomore at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.
If you've graduated, what is your degree?	Not quite yet.
How old were you when you had your first child?	17, almost 18.
Did you keep? abort? give up for adoption?:	I kept him.
Was it the first time you had sex?	no
Were you and the father a couple?	no
Are you still together?	no
If you're not together, is the father involved? How is he involved?	no
Were you using protection against pregnancy? If yes, what kind?	no
If not, was it because you were trying to get pregnant? Please explain:	no
Did you know how you would support the baby? Support yourself?	by working and living at home still
Were you using protection against STDs?	no
How many children do you have?	1
What are their names, ages, birthdays?	Gavin, 20 months, 4-18-98
Was the pregnancy emotionally difficult?	no
Was the pregnancy physically difficult? i.e. were there any medical problems?	no
What was/is the most difficult experience as a young mother?	Finding time to go out and have fun between college and work and having a child.
Was your family helpful/supportive?	yes
Did you stay at home with your parents?	yes
Did your family help support you? The baby? Emotionally, financially, or both?	both
Do they support you now? Emotionally, financially, or both?	both
Did/do you need public assistance? How did/does that make you feel?	Gavin is just on Medicaid.
Was the father's family involved with the pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both?	no
Did the father's family help support you? Emotionally, financially, or both?	no
Does the child have a relationship with the paternal Grandparents?	no
Do you feel accepted by people your age?	sure
Do you feel like you have it harder than people your own age without children?	of course. more responsibility.
Are you happy with the decisions you have made? (Be honest. . .it's ok to feel bad, we all do sometimes)	Sure. Can't change anything now. Just make the best of your situation. I love Gavin, but I *never* want to have any more kids.
What are your personal goals? (goals for yourself as an individual not as a mother)	Graduate college, find a good paying job, and live life to the fullest.
Have your goals changed since you became a parent?	no
Do you feel that reaching your goals will be more difficult now that your a teen parent?	no, i'm doing the same things at least education-wise that I would've done if I hadn't have gotten pregnant.
What would you tell a (school age) 12-18 year old girl that wanted to get pregnant?	Girl, you're crazy! Go buy a puppy if you're that messed up that you feel like you need something around to love and make you feel loved!
How do you think being a Young Mother has changed you?	made you responsible for someone other than yourself.
How do you think society looks upon teen pregnancy?	pretty badly. like we're total losers.
Why do you think there are so many teen parents?	parents are afraid to talk to their teenagers about using protection. wouldn't you rather have your daughter on the pill?
List 5 Pro's to being a teen Mother?	Closer in age to your children, so maybe when they're teenagers, you can relate more.
List 5 Con's to being a teen Mother?:	Less time for yourself and having fun.
What do you expect to get out of being a member of Young Mothers?:	Find some new friends online to chat with.
Today's Date:	1-15-00