"I was 16-years-old when I found out I was pregnant. Let me tell you, 16 year old me had no idea what I was in for when it came to becoming a mother. But while all of it was difficult to navigate, it didn’t compare to the infinite amount of love and protection I gained the moment I held my beautiful baby girl for the first time. I immediately felt a love and connection that I could have never understood before and it generated in me a motivation to discover my potential and become the mother my daughter needed.

Prior to giving birth to my daughter, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. I struggled with the idea of going to college and making such a big commitment when I had no idea what my true interests were. After my pregnancy and delivery, I decided to pursue a career in nursing to make a positive impact on patients and their family members and give back to the career that had helped me work through such difficult times.

I quickly discovered that in order to get into nursing school, I had to maintain a high GPA. I found myself studying on the weekends and giving up time with friends to accomplish this goal. The doubts that came from multiple failures were inevitable. From failing and retaking a college course and not being accepted to the nursing program the first time that I applied, to retaking my nursing boards even after graduating, each failure forced me to dig deep, reflect on what I set out to do, and be the person I promised my baby girl I'd be.

In April of 2015, with the help of many, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was one of the proudest days of my life. It takes hard work, determination, and sacrifice to graduate from high school, earn a degree and raise a child. There will be plenty of failure throughout the ride. But that child will also be the very reason you get back up and try again until you succeed."

 

-Mackenzy, Grand Rapids

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Pro-choice philosophy says it's impossible to have a baby and accomplish one's dreams. Mackenzy's story shows the need for the life-affirming and empowering pro-life message in high schools, so women like Mackenzy can not only choose life, but rise to achieve their goals. Protect Life Michigan is dedicated to being a source of hope for these women.