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Motherhood doesn't
stop student's studies
By Derrick J. Thompson
Special to the On-line Forty-Niner
For many, having
a child during ones senior year of college could be the worst
thing that can happen, but for marketing major QuaMesha Mason
giving birth to her daughter has been a source of strength
and motivation.
Mason's daughter LaPaula was born this summer, but she was
able to continue school without taking a break.
"So many people are shocked when they find out that I
didn't give up on school because I became pregnant,"
Mason said. "I did not want to take a break from school
because I am so close to graduating and I also wanted to take
on the full challenge of being both a parent and a student."
Mason sustains a 15-unit course load at CSULB, is a member
of the Black Business Student Association and has received
nothing less than a B on all of her exams so far this semester.
Mason can sometimes be seen on campus pushing her daughter
in a stroller.
"Sometimes I have to bring my daughter to school when
I have obligations after classes, like a meeting with a group
or if I have to do research in the library," Mason said.
"Sometimes I get unkind stares from passersby, but that
doesn't bother me."
Mason said she thinks those stares come from people who look
at having a child while in school as a hardship.
"It was really hard in the beginning because newborns
are unpredictable and sometimes she would wake up in the middle
of the night and there have been times when I have had to
give up sleep to study," Mason admitted. "I couldn't
do this by myself, I have strong family support that I am
grateful for."
Mason advises that each situation is different and the main
point she is trying to convey to others in her situation is
that having a baby is not always a negative thing, but rather
a part of life and sometimes out of this situation people
can become stronger.
"Pregnancy while in college is not the end of the world,"
Mason said. "My daughter motivates me to do better in
school because I'm not only in school now to enhance my own
life, but that of my daughters as well.
"It's not easy, but it's not impossible."
Students interested in more information about pregnancy and
child rearing are invited to stop by the student health center.
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