A life-changing decision

My name is Nikki Tirabassi. I am nineteen years old and I have a two year-old son. I found out I was pregnant at the age of sixteen and I was absolutely terrified. It was a difficult concept for me to grasp. I was going to have a baby, which meant that I needed to turn my life around completely. High School was never an issue for me until this happened. I felt very uncomfortable going to school, and for the first time ever I considered dropping out.

Luckily, my guidance counsellor advised me otherwise and gave me the information for St. Martin’s Manor. After hearing about the all-girls school for young pregnant women and mothers, I knew instantly that this was the school for me. My first day at St. Martin’s Manor was nerve wracking, as it is starting at any new school. However, all of the students and staff welcomed me with open arms. I met new friends who were also expecting, and I suddenly didn’t feel so alone. Besides meeting other girls who were going through the same situation as me, there are many advantages to my decision to switch to St. Martin’s Manor.

Firstly, I was able to continue my education and learn new things such as: crafting, cooking, and even sewing through a fashion course that I completed at The Manor. Secondly, this school gave me all of the information I would need to know about prenatal care, programs available in the community for young mothers, and parenting. Lastly, the school provided day care for my son when I was ready to continue my education after he was born, and created many fun activities for my son and I to enjoy together. We had an opportunity to go swimming once a week, and attend school trips to places like Ripley’s Aquarium.

Looking back, making the choice to attend St. Martin’s Manor was the best decision that I have made. If I hadn’t gone to this school, I wouldn’t be graduating in June of 2017, and I wouldn’t be pursuing my dream of becoming a hairdresser. Most importantly, I wouldn’t be the mother that I am today.