I am a proud 23-year old mother of two boys. I had my first son when I was 17 years old. I wanted to comment after reading most of the articles that I read about teen pregnancy and the rise in statistics on how many teens become pregnant. Mothers are now becoming younger and younger.

Teen pregnancy is an obvious issue in our society. However, I believe more should be done, than passing judgment or comparing teen mothers to those on trashy talk shows such as Maury Povich and not to criticize or pass judgment upon others in our society. There is no need to point out the problems in without resulting in a solution.

Six years ago, when I sat in my bathroom looking at the pregnancy test, all my worst fears were realized. Seeing two blue lines staring back at me -- my whole body was numb. The worry of what my future would hold for me, the fear of what would happen when I told my parents and their reaction to the pregnancy. I wondered what kind of mother I would be and how I would ever support a child. I wondered if the father would stick around. I asked Why me?

I remember people’s reactions and the "advice" which was given to me. People asking me "how can you take care of a kid if you can't even take care of yourself?", telling me "you better have an abortion!", "your life is over", "you will never have a career" . . . I've heard it all. You can't forget the dirty looks and stares people would give me as they stared at my bulging belly when I walked in the mall or any other public place. Being a young parent is far from glamorous and is extremely difficult in every way shape and form.

However, being blessed with the unconditional love and support of my parents, family and friends, I was able to stand tall with my chin up and head held high. I was able to find direction in life without feeling surrounded with shame or negativity. Unfortunately, not all young mothers and fathers are fortunate enough to have that reality.

Teenage parents prematurely lead adult lives. It is like a child having a child. Teenage mothers are girls who found themselves in a predicament which they know could have been prevented or avoided. Most young parents are taking accountability for their actions and more must be done in our community to help these young mothers and young fathers succeed to make better lives for themselves and for their families.

Teen pregnancy is a major contributor to poverty, single parenthood, and limited futures for adolescents and their children that is why it is so significant to attend to the problem now and not later. We must help young parents in our society rise above what the statistics forecast. We can no longer look the other way when it comes to our youth and the issues that they face today whether it is drugs or alcohol abuse, crime, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. We are one in the community and we have to work together to address these concerns. There are so many matters that young parents have to deal with without having to worry about what other people think.

Society must work together to empower, educate and encourage these individuals to become integral active members of our community. We can address these issues by offering workshops and skills for these young parents so they can be accepted in our community and not frowned upon. They have to learn life skills such as budgeting, parenting, and financial planning. Young parents need access to resources where more can be done in terms of rehabilitation, communication, parenting classes, relationship counseling and training. Successful intervention methods must be established to resolve teenage pregnancy issues and teenage mother’s predicaments.

On behalf of all young parents out there, please do not feel sorry for me or any other young parent. We still have the potential to succeed; so please, there is no need to gawk, stare or pass along the “hot” gossip. Do not be a part of the problem . . . be a part of the solution. Support us, encourage us, empower us and help strengthen us to realize our full potential.