class of 2009 > crystal candela

Crystal Candela is the mother of Jules Cesar Pliego, age 2, whose "smile is the most special thing to me, because that means he is healthy and happy with the way that I am raising him."

She says being a teen mother has affected her "in good and bad ways. The good is that it gave me more courage to finish high school. I am stronger and I have happiness. The bad is that I am a teen mom and single. It's hard to do everything myself. I have money problems and I can't work because I need to be with my son."

"The Early Learning Center has helped me so much!" she says. "They took care of my son and that helped me be here at school. It helped me be more calm and safe where my son is. I was able to visit my son and see him more often. I was able to breastfeed him more often."

She says her son learned a lot there. "He is so energetic and healthy. The care of the teachers helped him take his first steps and say his numbers and letters."

Crystal plans to go to college to become a dental assistant "so that I can support and make a better future for my son. I would like to own my own house someday, and be healthy, and still be with my son and with his dad."

"Parent Pathways is a wonderful thing!"