The best reason to succeed
Inspired by their children and driven to inspire them in the future, these young mothers dedicated themselves to graduating from high school
The Regina’s Place Jeanne Scott School is an alternative adult education centre for young mothers 18 and older, who are returning to school to earn their high school diplomas. The school is operated in partnership by the HamiltonWentworth Catholic District School Board and the Good Shepherd Centres Hamilton.
Located next door to Regina’s Place residence, the school offers subsidized transitional housing for young mothers in conjunction with on-site support and programming. Both the school and the residence support young mothers in breaking the cycle of poverty through life skills, goal setting, child development training, and bettering their chances of employment and independence.
Here are four of this year’s graduates:
Alexis Pluim, 22
What inspired you to go back to school after becoming a mother?
“After becoming a young single mother, I was inspired to go back and finish school to ensure my daughter could have a good life. I wanted to be someone my daughter would be proud of.”
What helped you push through and succeed in graduating this year?
“There are very few people I can count on, but the amazing staff at Regina’s Place are the ones who made my graduation possible; mostly my teacher Kara for NEVER allowing me to give up on myself, even in my darkest trials throughout this year. Also, my daughter for giving up some of our daily playtime so that I could finish my assignments.”
What are your goals for the future?
“My goals for the future are to attend college and one day become a police officer.”
What advice do you have for other young mothers who are considering returning to school to finish their high school diploma?
“If I could pass on one piece of advice to even just one young mother, it would be the advice I received from my teacher Kara: ‘The stress you feel now is nothing compared to how relieved and accomplished you will feel when you are done.’”
Cassidy Jade Robson, 25 What inspired you to go back to school after becoming a mother?
“Unlike my two older sisters, I struggled in school. I dropped out by the time I was 16, and I made two attempts to return for a high school diploma, without success. By age 19, I was a mother to a baby boy who changed everything in my life for the better. When he turned four and entered JK, I realized I needed to do this for him as much as I needed it for me.”
What helped you push through and succeed in graduating this year?
“The support I have received from everyone. My teacher and the staff at Regina’s Place were so supportive and caring; the experience made me want to keep going every day. My family always picked me up when I needed it and pushed me to do better. This year, my son and I will graduate together. He’s going to Grade 1 and I’m finishing high school, so I’ve set an example for him.”
What are your goals for the future?
“I am looking to go to post secondary for either cosmetology or office administration. I want to keep growing for my family and myself.”
What advice do you have for other young mothers who are considering returning to school to finish their high school diploma?
“Stay positive. It’s not always easy, but in the end you’re the one setting a great example for your child as well as building a better future. Good things come to those who work hard for it, so don’t give up.”
Lindsay Collins, 26 What inspired you to go back to school after becoming a mother?
“I am a mother of five children, three boys and two girls. I went back to school because I wanted to set an example for them, to get my high school diploma, and then go to college. Now I can regain my independence, and I can start working toward working on my dream job.”
What helped you push through and succeed in graduating this year?
“The people who have helped me push through and succeed in graduating are my spouse, my mother, my sister, and my children. They have supported through my schooling and have been there to help me when I needed it.”
What are your goals for the future?
“I plan to pursue a post secondary education in either cosmetology or culinary arts, and get a job so that my children can have a great life and so I can continue to be a great role model.”
What advice do you have for other young mothers who are considering returning to school to finish their high school diploma?
“Never give up — you can do anything you put your mind to.
It is better to return and complete your education sooner than later, when it becomes harder. You will feel proud of yourself when you have achieved your goal of getting your high school diploma.”
Marisa Kamalatisit, 19 What inspired you to go back to school after becoming a mother?
“I am a young mother of a twoyear-old and she is what inspired me to return to school, because she is my motivation and I want to be able to give her the best in life.”
What helped you push through and succeed in graduating this year?
“What helped push me through to graduate this year would be all of the caring staff at Regina’s Place. If it weren’t for them, achieving my goal of graduating wouldn’t have been as easy, especially as a young mom.”
What are your goals for the future?
“My goals are to continue caring and doing what is best for my daughter, and to succeed in the General Arts and Sciences Program at Mohawk College, which I have been accepted to and will be attending in September.”
What advice do you have for other young mothers who are considering returning to school to finish their high school diploma?
“My advice to other young mothers is to set a good example for your child. Completing your high school diploma will be very rewarding and worth it in the end, and although times may be tough, stay strong and never give up.”