WHERE I AM

Dear prospective TCU student

My name is Taylor and I’m a freshman education major at TCU. I am from Arizona and was really nervous to move my whole life to a different state. However, I have made some of my best friendships through joining Greek life and just partaking in TCU activities. It is so easy to get involved here at TCU, from daily events hosted by the crew to concerts, and so many clubs you can join. Even though leaving my friends and family had to be one of the hardest things, TCU welcomed me with warm arms into the horned frog family.

Room 107

The door was labeled 107. It had the names Tysin, Maddie, Taylor, and Elizabeth written on it. I was so nervous to open the door. I had never met these girls before and was about to spend the next year sharing a room with them. Flash forwards a couple of months add a cute carpet and some pink tapestries and now my favorite part of the day is opening the door to 107. My roommates have become some of my closest friends and make TCU home.

Alpha Delta Pi

“We live for each other” – Alpha Delta Pi sorority motto. This motto is the biggest reason I joined ADPI. I was very skeptical about rushing and my biggest worry was being a part of a mean party girl sorority. But getting to know my sisters in ADPI has been life changing and I have made my very best friends. We truly do live for each other.

Site Visit

For my site visit, I created a collage of my time home with my family during spring break. My family is my biggest support and each and every day I miss them whole heartily.

Interview

For my Interview, I interview my mom about being a teen mom. She had me when was 17 and later struggled with addiction and was out of my life for a couple of years. My loving grandparents have helped raised me and are a huge part of my life. My mom is now a successful small business owner and a great role model.

1. What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?

I was 16 years old when I found out, I was scared, but I knew that my family would be there for Taylor and I. It was going to be me and Taylor against the world.

2. What did you tell your parents & How did your parents react to this news?

I eventually told my mom and she wasn’t angry with me, she was supportive. I was surprised by her reaction, I thought she was going to be mad but she didn't show it. She said she would help me and she did. She was always there for me! My mom and dad helped me raise Taylor. I couldn't have done it without them. Taylor changed my life for the better. She is my biggest accomplishment.

3. Hardest part of being a teen mom?   

Just being young. But I also enjoyed being a young mom. Taylor changed my life for the better. We did everything together and she was my little best friend.

4. What were your career goals before and what is your career now?

I always wanted to go to college and become a counselor. Once I got pregnant, I had to finish high school, and then I went straight to work. I had to support Taylor and myself. I now own a baking business. I love when my daughter helps me with creative ideas!

5. What would you tell other girls (teen moms) who are pregnant?

A child changes your life. It is hard work being a mom. It is full time and exhausting. You no longer can just do whatever you want or be a teen. You have a lot of responsibilities and a baby to take care of 24/7.  My advice would be to wait until you are married and can provide the best life you can for your child.

After interviewing my mom my mentor (Aunt/Mom sisters) said a couple of things I quoted below. I thought this would be cool to add to my interview. She also suggested asking my Nana (my mom’s mom) a few questions as she was a tremendous part of my life.

I was 15 years old when Taylor was born. My sister and I shared a bedroom, Taylor was like my real life baby doll. I was obsessed with her and always had her. We grew up together and had so much fun. She was the light of our lives! I loved watching her grow- I couldn’t be more proud of the woman she has become! - Aunt

1. What was your reaction when you found out your daughter was pregnant and how did this impact your life?

I was very surprised when I found out my daughter was pregnant. I knew that it was going to be a very difficult and challenging pregnancy with her peers and with our family members and everyone placing judgment on the situation towards her and me as her mom. We are a Christian family so although I was flooded with all these emotions and feelings of sadness and trying to prepare myself for the challenges that lead ahead for her and our family I knew that this life was a true blessing. In the beginning, it was hard to convince my daughter that it was all going to work out and it was going to be OK and that this baby growing inside her was her child’s and that God would make a way for her to be the mom that he designed her to be we had to have faith. We thanked God every day for this beautiful baby we couldn’t wait to meet.

pre-writing artifact

revision artifact

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mentor response artifact

My Mentor had a few grammar corrections and suggest that I interview my nana and commented this:

I was 15 years old when Taylor was born. My sister and I shared a bedroom, Taylor was like my real life baby doll. I was obsessed with her and always had her. We grew up together and had so much fun. She was the light of our lives! I loved watching her grow- I couldn’t be more proud of the woman she has become! - Aunt