While on the streets, I would live with friends, or to go my other aunts' houses, when I needed to be around family. But I don't really understand how good family can be. I always felt my family would have me around, if they could count me on their food stamp case, or get the check for my Social Security, because my dad died. They were nice to me at first, but then we'd get in an argument. I got so tired of it. My friends in the neighborhood turned me on to drugs, and it made me not miss my family. I could get drugs, if I slept with a guy, then we'd party for days. Sometimes I hated this life, but I didn't have anyone who would stand up to me and get me to behave. No one seemed to care and everyone had so many other problems.

I guess I wasn't careful and I got pregnant. I was afraid and thought about an abortion, but that was scary, too, I felt that was wrong. I didn't know who the father was, so I couldn't get no support. I talked to the lady at the Health Clinic and she told me about Seton Home. I'd never been in a placement before, just with friends and their families. It was scary. I didn't like all the rules at first, and I didn't know how to cook, but the Houseparents taught me. I even learned how to crochet. Sometimes it's boring, but at least I know that I'll have good food and no one here is going to take my money, or hit me or molest me. They stand up to me when I break a rule and I get a consequence. It is tempting to run away then, but I remember I am carrying a baby. I found out it's a girl and she deserves a better life than I had.

I don't know how things will be when I'm 18 or 20, but for right now, I know I need to prepare for this little girl. I don't want her to have arguing and angry people around her. My mom's anger caused her to make mistakes that she is still paying for. But I want to be calm. Yes, I'm scared, 'cause I've never had that much responsibility before, but the Seton Home staff told me I could do it. Little by little I'm learning things, that I wish someone had taught me years ago. I hope to finish high school in one year. If they let me stay here, I know there's an 8-month program where I can get training to work in a medical office. That would be good for my baby and me.

I am grateful that someone invented Seton Home. I know I need to stay, if I'm going to prove to myself and my little girl, that she and I are both worth it.