When I learned that my girlfriend was pregnant, I was very confused. I didn't know what to do, many thoughts raced across my mind. I wasn't ready to be a father. I had many plans for my future and having a baby was not one of them. At first, I told my girlfriend to have an abortion before either of our parents found out. But I wasn't sure because our families wouldn't accept that. Finally, we decided to have the baby but I didn't know how to tell my girlfriend's parents. She is younger than I am, and I was afraid they wouldn't accept it. In any case, we went to tell them. The most difficult thing was telling my parents. They are in Mexico and when I came to the United States, the last thing they expected was a grandchild. I didn't have the courage to tell them until the baby was born.
During the pregnancy, my girlfriend couldn't work so I had to work more to cover our living expenses. Things had changed. Before, I'd go out with my friends to discos and I'd buy whatever I wanted. Now, I had to save money for the arrival of my baby.
One day I came home and my girlfriend was having labor pains. I was nervous and I didn't know what to do. Then, we went to the hospital and the contractions got stronger. It was hard for me to watch her in pain. During the labor, many thoughts crossed my mind. I was happy, yet at the same time I also felt I wasn't ready. We were in the hospital all night and the baby finally was born the next morning. The first time I saw my baby I couldn't contain all my emotion. When I held him I felt there was no better feeling than to see your child born and then hold him in your arms.
But things were not as easy as I thought. When we took the baby home, I couldn't sleep. I tried to help my girlfriend as much as possible. That same day I told my parents they were grandparents. It hurt me so much to hear my mother cry. She had high expectations of me since my brothers were already married and had kids. But she supported me and told me that I had to grow up and be mature. That I could no longer just go out, but that I had to be responsible.
Now, I support my girlfriend so that she can finish her studies so that she can be somebody one day. I love my son very much and I wouldn't want him to go through what I went through. That's why I would want to tell all teens to please take care of yourselves and use protection. It is not easy to be a father. It is a big responsibility that will change your life. Enjoy your life as much as you can and try not to grow up so quickly. I know that sometimes it is difficult, but don't forget that sex is not necessary to have a good relationship with someone. I hope that my story helps other teens to not make the same mistakes I did.
Segundo is a first-prize winner in the Spanish Language Category in Arlington's Better Beginnings Coalition Teen Pregnancy Writing Contest.