Overcoming A Struggle, Living As An Inspiration
February 28, 2014
After watching the hit reality TV show; “Teen Mom”, you may have a perspective that all teen moms are irresponsible and incapable of being good mothers. But Dasia Black, a sophomore here at North; is determined to prove otherwise.
Seven months ago, a “mother” was never anything that Dasia planned on becoming in high school, so when her pregnancy test read ‘positive’, it took her by complete surprise. When she found out that she was pregnant, all she could think was “No, I can’t be pregnant. How am I gonna take care of the baby, am I even gonna keep the baby? How are my parents gonna react, how will it work with school?”
A million questions ran through her like a torrential downpour. Situations like these are never easy, not to mention it is very stressful and life changing. But Dasia remembers that through all the stress, life goes on.
“I look at things differently, like my decisions I make. Its not just about me anymore.” Since becoming pregnant, she has changed as a whole. Even though she can’t go back and change it, she admits that she would have done things differently. When asked what she would do differently, Dasia said, “I would go back and think about the decisions I made because they can have lifetime consequences.” Dasia found out she was pregnant when her boyfriend Alex Richie, a senior here at North; first suspected that Dasia was pregnant and suggested that she should take a pregnancy test. When she told him the test was positive, Alex was very excited and happy about becoming a father.
Her life the past seven months has changed drastically. Her body, her eating habits, and her life in general has taken to a new path. Dasia’s eating habits before becoming pregnant and now are somewhat similar, “ I used to eat like I was pregnant anyways, but now I have to eat healthier and make healthier choices about what I eat” she says.
Her family and friends have been very supportive through all of this as well. When her parents and the fathers parents found out, they were disappointed, but regardless of the situation, they have remained supportive of Dasia and her decision to keep the baby. “Everyone is happy for me and everyone wants to buy me stuff and through all of this, everyone has been really supportive which helps a lot.” She says.
Even though she is becoming a mother, Dasia wont let that stop her from being successful and achieving goals she has created for herself in her near future. “I plan to graduate next year and go to AIB and study accounting.” Dasia says.
“The biggest obstacle so far has been the whole pregnancy aspect itself, its not just oh you’re pregnant and you have a baby it’s a lot more than that. You have to become more responsible and mature and you have a brighter look at life. You realize you have to take care of a life other than just yours. It has made my life more stressful but it has definitely made it worth more living for.” she says.
Dasia is due on May 14th and is having a baby girl. They have decided to name the baby Nalah, and they are both very excited for her arrival. A positive motivation for Dasia is just to always stay positive and know that there is always sunshine after the rain.
It may seem like everything is ok, but in all reality, people often look past how difficult it is to be pregnant as a high schooler. Not only having to get up and be expected to come to class but having to deal with her own hormones at the same time. If being pregnant isn’t enough, she has to deal with social pressures, judgement from peers and adults, and she’s also dealing with the pressure of her significant other being incarcerated, but luckily he will be out before the baby’s arrival. Take note of the fact that this isn’t easy. She’s in high school, pregnant. Becoming a mother. Look at her perspective, before you judge her.