People's District

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

“People say that if you have a kid when you are young, it ends your life. They say you will have a hard time making something of yourself. That may be true for other people, but it won’t be true for me. I am 17 and my little boo-boo is expecting one to come out on July 24th.

“We weren’t that surprised when she found out, but it was still a little shocking. My Mom was 18 when she had me, so I thought she might understand. I guess it is not that shocking to hear that she was not excited when I told her I was going to be a father. She wanted me to wait and finish my schooling and get a job before I became a family man.

“I see where she is coming from, but some things just happen in life and you can’t do much about ‘em. My Mom and I are really close, though, and we talk a lot. She is teaching me a lot about how to be a man and a father. I need to learn to be mature and to make my mother proud about this baby coming.

“In my life, I didn’t grow up with a real father around, so it is important for me to be in my baby’s life no matter what. Even if I don’t stay with my baby mamma, I am going to be with my child. That is guaranteed. I see myself being an entrepreneur and making $40 an hour, so I can support my family. That money will get you some good living in D.C. I can see myself making that as a bus driver, plumber or a security officer, like my mother.

“While I am happy about this baby, in the back of my head, I do think about what my life would be like if I didn’t have a child coming. But, you have to live with what you do. Whatever happens, happens and I am going to make the best of it. People may think this is the end of my life, but I am 17 and still got many years to come.”

People’s District will be taking a short break until July 18th. Until then, we share with you some of our favorite stories from the past year.