Pregnant in College Survival Guide

When women become pregnant in college, they often feel alone and misunderstood. In today's world, women aren't shunned  the way they once were, but still many women wonder what they will do and how they will cope with such a major change in their lives. Many are worried they just can't do it- It's too much. These feelings are normal.

Collegecures.com has a couple of good articles about this very subject. The article below is about how to find resources at whatever school you're in, and how to think through common concerns, such as where will you live? What will you do about health care?

Pregnant in College? How to Attend College with a Baby Bump.

This  article (below) is more about what to do in those first moments of shock when you realize you're pregnant when you absolutely didn't plan to be. How do you talk to your parents, friends, the baby's father? How do you take care of yourself at a time like this?

Pregnant and in College Survival Guide

One last article, a realistic  story of a SF State student who balanced college and pregnancy. She describes her experience and what it was like. Good to read to get a sense of what might be in store.

Pregnancy SF Student's article

When you're pregnant in college when you didn't plan to be, the realization can turn your whole world upside-down. After all, you went to college to learn so you can develop a career. How would pregnancy affect that?  Take a look at the articles above. I hope you find some helpful answers to your questions!

If you live in Eugene, Oregon, come visit us at our Pregnancy Resource Center on 1667 High Street in Eugene. Also, visit our website at 1st-way.org or call 541.687.8651. We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. We'll be happy to help you!

Some of the Best College Scholarship Programs for Moms

Did you know that there are lots of college scholarship plans that young mothers may be eligible for?

(1) Soroptimist Award
"The Women’s Opportunity Awards program assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

Each year, more than $1.5 million in education grants are awarded to more than 1,000 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence and/or drug and alcohol abuse. Women’s Opportunity Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.

(2) Scholarships for Moms
'This $10,000 scholarship is an initiative to help all moms who want to complete their education, but don't have the time, money or the support to meet their goal. Whether you're a new mom, single mom or working mother, our scholarship could help you get ahead."

(3) PEO International
 "The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: promoting educational opportunities for women."

(4) Women's Independence Scholarship Program
"WISP is designed to help women obtain the money they need to attend college and earn a higher education degree. The program is suited for survivors of domestic abuse from an intimate partner such as a spouse or a boyfriend. The program prefers to award scholarship funds to those enrolled state community colleges, state colleges or universities, and technical or vocational schools. Those enrolled in other programs may also apply."

 (5) Lifetime Foundation 
A very unique scholarship fund- They offer educational scholarships in deep appreciation to birth mothers who have chosen adoption for their children. They have enabled others to experience the joy of becoming parents and created futures, not only for those families, but also for their children, for a lifetime.

(6) In Oregon, check out this website of resources for our state!

If you are unexpectedly pregnant and wondering if you will be able to go to or finish college, come by our office at 1st Way and we can tell you more about resources that can help you stay in school!

1667 High Street
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Call 541.687.8651
or 1-800-848-LOVE

Inspirational Stories: Wheelchair-bound single parent becomes successful entrepreneur!

 I like to surf the web looking for stories that might be of interest to women who are pregnant and worried about their future.

By far, the most inspirational story I have found is this one- A single mother, confined to a wheelchair, raises two children while working as an entrepreneur. When she first became wheelchair-bound, she had to give up her business and social services almost took her children for fear she couldn't care for them. Yet today, she has built her career back up. She manages being a mother and successful career woman, despite all odds!

 http://www.willowstairlifts.co.uk/blog/the-exceptional-story-of-a-single-mothers-battle-against-the-odds/



 The Experience Project has an interesting collection of stories by single women who have faced the challenges of childbearing alone and still managed to do what they want with their lives, such as meeting their career and educational goals.

Here's an example~

A teenage mom, now 20,  has a job and is a full time student at a university. She's happy and says life isn't as hard as she thought it would be.
http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-A-Single-Mother/3041693

Pregnant On Campus

Here are some articles I found this week about what to do when you're pregnant on campus:

"Whether you are a freshman or a senior, becoming pregnant during your college years is especially challenging. You wonder if you can do it- if you can be both a student and a parent. You worry about what your peers will think and how your professors will react. You fear how the school administration will treat you when they find out. All of these concerns weigh on the decisions of college-aged parents. For this reason, we need to take action to encourage policies and programs that are compassionate towards college parents." -Rosalie

http://pregnantoncampus.studentsforlife.org/2013/03/08/embraced-encouraged-and-loved-rosalies-story/

What to Expect When Your Pregnancy is Unexpected

Interesting blog from another woman at college.

http://www.whattoexpect.com/blogs/shockandaww/what-to-expect-when-your-pregnancy-is-unexpected 

E-HOW- How to go to college when pregnant

 http://www.ehow.com/how_2120093_go-college-pregnant.html