5 Reasons Why I Loved Being Married and Pregnant in College

1) Complete and utter focus on academic and career goals.

I'm less worried about the social aspect of college: friends and significant others. Not just because I found both of these things in one lovely person but because this lovely person encourages me to work on projects and go to interviews and all the other things I hardly want to get out of bed to do. He hasn't taken away my needs for other people but given me new focus.

She, too, has given me new focus. I work with a new determination because I want to be the woman my mother is for me, for my daughter. My mother has always been my role model. She is hard-working, focused, persistent, and optimistic in all the things she does. I hope I can be the same person for my little girl.

2) "Grown-up" matters become less intimidating and more necessary.

A year ago, my errands were constantly restocking their pantry, picking up supplies for school projects, doing laundry, etc. Now, it's more along the lines of paying bills, registering for government services (insurance, welfare, etc.), calling credit card companies and rental agencies. My mom used to do all these things for me last year. I was careless with my money and eager to have her do all the phone conversations and bill paying for me.

Now, the responsibility is mine and my husband's. Now, I'm eager to transition into our own everything rather than my mom handling my name.

3) Sharing a last name.

Our last name allows us to see each other when we're in the hospital, allows us to sign legal documents for each other, allows us to send thank you cards and presents as one entity rather than two individuals. Some people might be scared of this. Commitment is a scary thing, indeed.

To me, it's not only convenient but completely and totally comfortable.

4) Learning to love things far larger than myself.

Eric and Izzy allow me to see beyond the superficial. I don't care about money or appearance or success. I care about safety and happiness and honesty. If, in the end, I become successful but I'm not happy, I would frown at my future. It's more than just a dollar; it's more than just a big office in a famous company. It's the people I help and the close relationships I treasure that make me who I want to be. 

I, personally, think there could be no better thing to be than a loving woman, wife, and mother. These nouns don't sacrifice my success. Sure, there's negative connotation attached to these words. So many people my age don't want a commitment, much less a husband or children. But in my position, I feel powerful. I feel like I can do anything with my family by my side. They encourage me and give me a reason to go to work, a reason to maintain all aspects of my life, a reason to live.

5) Consolidation.

I've gotten rid of so many bad things in my life. Well, not bad. Just...negative.

People. Materials. Traits. 

I know I will change in the future but for now? I am so happy with where I am and what I have. It may not be a lot of seem like a lot to other people but to me it is everything.

That wraps up my five reasons.
Much love,

Beth