Excitement, confusion, nervousness, anxiety, happiness, desertion, and even denial, are just a few of the emotions that a woman can go through psychologically when she’s expecting a child. Nevertheless, if the woman does not wish to become a parent at this time, an unplanned pregnancy can quickly turn into a crisis.
However, if the pregnancy is unplanned, but strongly supported by the father, family, or even friends staying in school during pregnancy while parenting can assuredly be an option.
One Prairie View student chose this option as opposed to abortion, or adoption. In a candid interview with Jemma Hepburn of The Panther, Ronda Tucker describes what it’s like being pregnant while being a student in college. Jemma: What’s your name?
Ronda: Ronda Tucker.actually Tucker-Anderson, because I’m married.
Jemma: How old are you?
Ronda: I’m 20.
Jemma: What’s your classification and major?
Ronda: I’m a junior health and human performance major.
Jemma: Has going to college been a dream of yours?
Ronda: Yes, it has.
Jemma: How do you feel about becoming a mother?
Ronda: I’m scared. I wasn’t prepared, but I want to be the best mother I can be.
Jemma: Do you want a boy or a girl, and why?
Ronda: A boy first, so when I have a daughter he can look after her, and because they’re easier to raise. Oh, and I’m having a boy!
Jemma: What is it like being pregnant in college?
Ronda: I didn’t think it would be this tough. People stare like they’ve never seen someone pregnant before. I think that’s the hardest part.
Jemma: How do you deal with that?
Ronda: I don’t think much of it. I don’t say anything. Some people will speak, and be like ‘Oh, you look cute pregnant!’ or ask me how far I am.
Jemma: How far are you?
Ronda: Eight months, and I’m due in two weeks.
Jemma: Are you going to leave school?
Rhonda: No, most of my teachers are working with me through Web CT and Panthertracks, so I’m going to be up to date.
Jemma: How long do you think you’ll be out of school?
Rhonda: I’m not sure, but I really don’t want it to be longer than 2-3 weeks.
Jemma: Some people view pregnancy in college as a “set back.” Do you feel “set back” in any way?
Ronda: No, because I went to summer school to make sure I wasn’t so far behind. It’s probably a setback for some without help, but I have a lot of help.
Jemma: Sometimes being pregnant in college isn’t readily accepted by families. How does your family feel about your situation?
Ronda: (sighs) I was so scared. But they were so positive. They were so proud of me because most of the members of my family got pregnant in high school, and I was the first to make it this far without getting pregnant.
Jemma: Did you ever think you would be pregnant in college?
Ronda: No (laughs). That never came through my mind.
Jemma: Has being an expectant mother changed you, Ronda, as a person and if yes how so?
Ronda: I’m more responsible, and I look at things in the future more, rather than in the present as I did before.
Jemma: Before you became pregnant, did you have a particular view about females whom were pregnant in college? And if you did, how has that changed, if at all?
Ronda: No, I didn’t have a certain view on them. They’re adults so there is really nothing you can say to a pregnant woman.
Jemma: If you could change anything that you did, what would it be, if anything at all?
Ronda: No, because I know things happen for a reason. I know God blessed me with this child.
Jemma: Do you have any advice for female students who may be expecting?
Ronda: Don’t stop going to school, because most stop and go back home.
Jemma: Do you have any advice for female students whom may be trying to get pregnant, or engaging in risky sexual behaviour?
Ronda: They should wait until they complete school, and make sure that they’re with someone they truly love.
Jemma: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Ronda: I just want people to know that I’m not alone and I have a whole lot of help from my family, his family and my teammates (from track).and my coach.and Ms. Thibodeaux in financial aid. Oh, and my husband’s name is Daniel Anderson, he goes to PV, and he’s a human and health performance major, too.
The “collegiate ideal” has been viewed as one of promise and success. Wide-eyed students enter with intentions of laying down the foundation for their careers. Time, money, and often-family sacrifice are devoted to attaining life goals.
Becoming pregnant while in college, though, can undoubtedly make achieving these goals difficult.