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Letter from College Mom After Reading
The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom by Katherine Arnoldi
I happened across
your graphic novel at my local library today. I read it in its
entirety standing next to the bookshelf where I found it. It
is the most real thing I have ever read about being a teen mom.
I was reduced to tears standing there in the library. As you
can probably guess by now, I too was/am a teen mom. I faced the
"you made
your bed, now lie in it" attitude. I was expected to marry
and put aside my dreams. I don't have to tell you how much of
a struggle it was.
Your book touched me in a way nothing else
ever has. I felt like I was reading my own life story. I have
loved many books, I am a voracious reader. Never before have
I felt the need to contact an author, but I feel honor bound
to tell you that your book changed my life. Today.
You see, I am one of the less than 1% of
teen moms who actually
completed a college degree. I got my B.A. in history from California
Lutheran University last year. I have always wanted to go to
law
school, but for reasons you could probably imagine never quite
felt
'good enough' or that I 'deserved' it. I had for weeks, well
months
really, been putting o ff sending in my law school applications. Fear
of rejection, doubts as to whether I could handle the pressure,
these
and more thoughts in a similar vein were holding me back. After
reading your book, I felt proud of myself like I never have before.
I
could see and finally appreciate everything I've done for myself
and
my kids. I can't thank you enough.
I am 31 years old, a college graduate, a
mother of three, a wife,
a future attorney. The next time I'm at a parent-teacher conference
where all the other parents are at least ten years older than
me, I
will remember your book and remind myself that I too am an adult
and a
valuable member of society. I will feel good about myself and
my
happy, healthy, well-adjusted children.
Sincerely,
Pamela
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