class of 2009 > vanessa tapia
Vanessa Tapia has two daughters, Marlene, 2 1/2 years old, and Ailin, 3 1/2.
"I really enjoy spending time with my girls, whether it's at the park or watching The Little Mermaid for the 1 millionth time. I always enjoy being with them," she says.
"Being a teen mother has affected me in every way. I have been through very hard times, but I always try to keep my head up and look at the positive side of every situation."
The Florence Crittenton School has helped Vanessa in many ways, but she says "having child care available has been probably the most helpful," because it encourages Vanessa to come to school knowing the baby is safe, and she has learned many tips on how to be a good mother.
Vanessa plans to study cosmetology at Emily Griffith. She hopes to be a successful mother and an inspiration to other teen mothers and to her children.
Her advice: "Always remember that every action has a consequence. Whether it is good or bad, you will have to live with it all of your life."