I am a regular high school student in many ways. I have essays to write, exams to study for and a graduation to plan. What is different about me, though, is that I also have a baby to take care of. Last year, I was not a very responsible teenager and now I do not have the option to be a normal teenager at all.

I love my baby son and I would not trade him for the world, but senior year of high school is not the greatest time in life to become a parent. Between the essay writing and the mountains of homework, I am heating bottles and changing diapers. I love being a mom, but I am also sad when my friends are going to movies and parties and just having fun.

My teachers had offered to change my coursework, so as to not overwhelm me, but I declined. Even though I was irresponsible last year, I wanted to do the responsible thing now and I still want to go to college. If anything, my son gave me this desire more than before because it is not all about me anymore.