When I was in school, I was always one of the creams of the crop. During my high school years, I was always sent out to join contests here. I did math contests several times, joined a few science contests, did debates here, Battled in English contests there and of course! Annually, I
was part of the cheering squad and performed all over the region.
I was considered strong, because not only was I able to surpass all those things, but personally, I had to carry a lot of burdens as well. During my college years, my educational performance got even better. I topped the class consistently. Again, not only was I active and excelling in my classes but also in extra curricular activities. Student body organizations... National expositions... Company visits... I did all of that, and I can say majority of the people both in school and out of school looked up to me. And i was proud. :) and happy. :) and blessed. :)
After graduation, I got a job right away. I literally did not have the chance to have a vacation because the company hired me right away. After one year of working hard and saving just enough. I got pregnant with my 5-year steady boyfriend. I became a mother @ 23.
I must say, a lot of people were shocked. Others of course talked about me with things like why did I get pregnant so early and themes that go around "silent water runs deep". They were always saying things like I may not be good enough and ready enough to be a mom. But hey! who is? No one can really be prepared for motherhood. You can prepare the things that would be needed... You can settle your expectations of what it takes to be a mother... But i strongly believe no one can perfectly be prepared for it... because all situations differ... and until you have your angel in your hands, that's the only time you can cope with what it takes to be a good one :)
It's just frustrating when people judge your capabilities as a mom based on age. For all you know, you can be OLD but perfectly IMMATURE. One can be YOUNG but possess a box of WISDOM. Yes, age does matter. But it doesn't make up all of it. I am 24 and I claim that I'm doing good. I give my child utmost attention, do the things required of a mother to do... I did not just give birth to him because I needed to and then left him out there... I became a mom. And i stood for it. Took responsibility of it. And i am perfectly happy about it.
Now, i am happy because i have proven a lot of people that i still am me. The intelligent, hard-working, responsible me. Because if i wasn't, I would have just let it go. But I am. And i am proud of it :)
