<p>Hello everyone,
I would like to give you all a little back story before I launch into my questions and concerns.
I am an eighteen year old girl and I have a six month old son. I live with my son and his father in our apartment by ourselves. My boyfriend works 60 hours a week, while I go to school, work, and take care of Dakota. But before you begin to judge, let me tell you about my trek.
Now for the Back story
I became pregnant in October of my senior year (fault due impart of myself), and lucky me, I found out less than two days after my boyfriend (the one I have now) had left me. When my school found out, they handed me GED information, but I refused. I knew I could make it. I endured the year with name calling and constant ridicule from people who didn’t and couldn’t see past the fact that I was pregnant (granted, it wasn’t the best decision, but I took responsibility for my actions instead of…) I worked up to 2 days before my son was born and managed to buy him all the items he needed without the father’s help. My mother kicked me out 2 days after I turned 18 because I wanted to save money for my son and wouldn’t give all of my money to her. I moved into my grandma’s house and she’s been my rock ever sense. I fought through the year and attended high school all year until graduation. When I walked across the stage, my principal was so surprised, because I had completed high school even after their offering of setting up a GED program for me. I graduated from high school when I was 9 months pregnant with an Advanced Diploma, and Honors. Then in the July of 2013, after 2 weeks of slow labor and then 26 hours of active labor (18 of it without pain medication due to the fact that 1. I wasn’t dilated enough and 2. The doctors could not tell that my water had broken.) a beautiful little boy was born. Due to the fact that I had NO help from the father at the time, I had to return to work two weeks after my son was born. I was working forty hours a week, when I was on suppose to be on bed restriction. Some nights I would be so tired, I would swear I was holding my son when it was just a pillow. I knew I didn’t want to work the 40 hours a week and not even go any where with my life, so without a doubt, I was registered for community college by February of my senior year. All paid (mind you, I had a 60,000 dollar scholarship to Ferrum that I had to give up), and I even receive money to go to school. I took an overload of courses (14 credits), worked 40 hours a week, I am half way done completing a certificate in Phlebotomy, I am a Student Ambassador, and I still managed to finish out the semester with a 3.78 (4 A’s and 1 B). I am now participating in a work study for the Biology Department and the baby’s father and I are back together. I even moved out of my grandma’s home. He has flipped a 180 and is a good family man now, we’ve been together since September and he has proposed. And for anyone who was wondering, I was ALWAYS finding time to spend with my son. Whether it was those midnight/early morning feedings or I’d run home and spend time with him in between classes.
I didn’t come from a privileged family or even one that could go without worrying about what they were going to eat or where they would sleep, but I know the meaning of hard work. </p>
<p>Now That You Know:
My intent is to transfer into William and Mary via the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement here in Virginia and follow the Pre-Med guidelines and go on to medical school. </p>
<p>I am wondering 3 things from any alumni, friend or family of alumni, or even current students who have families or don’t:
Is it truly as academically challenging as everyone says it is?
Any information that might be helpful as in how to make things flow smoothly?
And finally, any suggestions from Pre-Med students or physicians?
With what I have told you here, do you think I will have a shot?</p>
<p>I am determined, and won’t take no for an answer, but I realize, it sometimes puts me out of orbit. Be blunt, and realistic.</p>