Young and alone, I felt as though everything I had worked for was falling apart. As a full-time student supporting myself, I faced financial instability and a crippling lack of preparation. But deep down I knew I would be able to establish a life for my child and myself. And I did.
Like most girls brought up on Disney movies, I had a conventional perspective on how life should be; I envisioned a "prince," a big house and stability. So when I got pregnant and there was no prince, no house and definitely no stability, I felt incredibly isolated and was consumed by sadness and depression.
Imagining Ourselves helped me come out of my self-imposed isolation. My photographs, "Single Mother-To-Be" were featured in the Motherhood theme and they showed the world my most private moments.
Taking those photographs was liberating. At the time, I faced emotional abuse from my child's father and I had to drop out of school to work . When I discovered Imagining Ourselves, I was amazed by the diversity of stories and perspectives on pregnancy. It was completely new to me!
In the Motherhood theme, people talked openly and without shame about being uncomfortable with maternity. They talked about being frustrated, unhappy, and scared - in addition to being eager and excited. We were speaking the truth about pregnancy and educating ourselves and our societies. So often we avoid talking about the big issues in our lives. Imagining Ourselves, stimulated those bigger, more important conversations and connected me with women around the world.
Imagining Ourselves started an important and neglected conversation. As part of this exhibit my story and images have a greater impact on people than if I had tried to tell my story as an independent artist. I am glad I had this opportunity. I want other young women to know that they are not alone and that they can succeed even when it seems like all odds are against them.
Since Imagining Ourselves I have started advocating for lesser known but important social issues such as unconventional pregnancies and underage mothers. I have also become an advocate for using environmentally friendly products in women and children's lives.
My daughter, now four, is turning out to be a wonderful girl. My career is looking up as well - I am back to school at California State University, Fullerton.
My experiences and interactions with Imagining Ourselves have taught me that we are all capable of overcoming much more pain than we ever could have imagined.