(Inspired by my YouthBuild teacher, Mr. Michael Woods)
The most-important member of my family, to me, is my daughter, Zinnia. Though she has yet to be born, the thought of her upcoming arrival has nevertheless tremendously motivated me to want to be a more responsible person, and ultimately, the best mother for her. I am even more diligent in continuing my education, which will enable me to enjoy a better career, making it easier for me to be able to fulfill those obligations to myself and to her.
When I discovered I was pregnant I was only in my fourth week. I bought two, cheap pregnancy tests from the Dollar Store. I arrived at the house, put my bags down, entered the bathroom area to take the test, and anxiously awaited the results. Initially, the test returned a faint line, which gave me a feeling of uncertainty. So, I took another test. To my surprise, the results signified that I was pregnant. “OMG!!! I’m, pregnant,” I said to myself in disbelief. A few weeks later, I went to JPS Hospital in Fort Worth, where the self-administered test results were confirmed by medical professionals.
She was too little for doctors to determine her gender at the time — her little joints had yet to develop bones and muscles. This made it difficult for me to connect with her, because all I could feel were light flutters in my stomach. However, at 9:00 a.m. on February 3rd, 2020, as I sat in my GED class, I felt her legs kick for the first time. It was one of the most-inspiring experiences of my life! It helped me come to the realization that I was indeed on my way to becoming a mother.
“Moreover, I was anxious to find out whether it was a boy or a girl”.
The responsibilities of being a soon-to-be mother are many. For example, there are doctor appointments, laboratory visits, and parenting classes to attend, not to mention preparations to be made prior to the arrival of the baby. I scheduled my first sonogram with Dr. Chandra Chellappan, at Huguley Hospital in South Fort Worth. I was extremely nervous, wanting to be assured that the baby and I, both, remained healthy. Moreover, I was anxious to find out whether it was a boy or a girl. Unfortunately, it was still too early to tell at the time. It wasn’t until my sixteenth week that I was notified that I would be having a girl. The anticipation began to flourish as I began purchasing clothes, diapers, and even ordered a breast pump. With the encouragement and support of my mother, Elanor, I was inspired to return to school so I could further my education and improve the chance of working my way into a career. All these things I did with the primary purpose of providing a better life for me and my soon-to-be-born daughter.
It is a wonderful feeling carrying the life of another human being. My baby inspires me to be the best person I can be each and every day. I am doing it with the hope of a bright, nurturing future as a mother. I am eight weeks away from having the wonderful opportunity of meeting my daughter. It is my lifelong goal to ensure that she has the resources to become an even greater inspiration to others, as she has already been to me.
Atlantis Ausbie,
CLC, Inc YouthBuild Student
Studying for my GED, working from home