class of 2009 > viridiana ruizesparza

Viridiana Ruizesparza has a daughter, Mia Vianey Segura Ruizesparza, age 2.

"I really couldn't name just one special thing because to me she is all special," she says.

She says becoming a teen mother has limited her ability to do many things, "but it also has made me mature faster."

Viridiana says the Florence Crittenton School and the Early Learning Center "have helped me a lot. The school has prepared me for what will come later in life and how to be a teen parent. The Early Learning Center has taught me how to care for my child and also it made it easier for me to come back to school (after I had my baby)."

The Early Learning Center really helped me and my family because I was able to get to school and have her close to me and that made me feel safe, knowing that she was safe and I could see her when I wanted.

Viridiana says she wants to thank "the whole Florence Crittenton staff on behalf of my daughter and myself for helping me become a better person and helping me become a better parent for my child."

She plans to go to college and become a probation officer.

Her advice: "Don't try to rush through life. There will be time for everything."