I've spent my whole college life either pregnant or as a mother. This seems to give most people the idea that they should make comments on my life. Older people, administrators, fellow students, even professors all want to give me commentary on where I am in my life. Why? Pregnancy was hard enough between being sick and trying to stay on top of my classes. I had one professor once make fun of the fact that I ran out of class once to throw up. I was quite sick during my first trimester and I could not help that I felt the need to puke randomly with no warning. He called me out in front of class to say I should just sit by the door, bring a trashcan, or just not come to class. It was awful and made me not respect him as a professor.

I never felt like I could respond to the comments or answer questions how I would really like to but I often hold my tongue so I am not labeled as being 'too emotional'. So I am going to respond or answer these comments and questions right here. Right now.

1. "Wow, you're so young."

Thank you so much for pointing out the obvious. I am aware that I am young and I am aware that you seem to have an issuse with it. Yes, I got pregnant at 18. Yes, I had him at 19. Yes, I am a young mother in the eyes of society. Yes, I realize how difficult it will be to go to college. We do not need to focus on my age and how big an issue you have that I am so young.

2. "You're still in school?"

This one is so often said in a derogatory way and mmmmmmmm, I always want to respond sarcastically or wittily, even rudely at times. Yes, I am still in school. Obviously. I am sitting in a college class with you. Why would you think I am not here to continue school? I understand that sometimes it is hard for moms to go back to school. I have a family supporting me and I am incredibly privileged to have that support. But I am still here and I am still working hard to graduate.

3. "Shouldn't you be at home with your kid?"

Again, I don't understand why this is something you would think to say while I am sitting next you in class. That does not make sense to me. I wish I could be home more often but I made the choice to continue school. I miss my child and I do wish I could stay home, especially while he is so little. But if I finish school now, I will have more time to do things with him when he is in school and more able to remember me being around.

4. "I could never be a mom in college."

Okay? And I should care about this because? My being a mom in college has no bearing on you. It is not saying every girl should have a child in college or have a child young. No, I do not think that. It is not something I would tell anyone to do.

5. "Is the dad still around?"

Yes. My son's father is still around and *GASP* we are still together. We have bee together for nearly 3 years and plan on being together for the foreseeable future. Why strangers or people who do not know me feel the need to ask this? Why do people assume that because we are young that we are not together or he is not around? That is not okay. You do not know my life. You do not know where I have come from.

As much as I am proud to me a mother and will gladly talk your ear off about my son, there are some comments I feel you should keep to yourself. Please, just think before you open your mouth and say things to young mothers or pregnant woman.