So you think that getting pregnant while you are a student won’t affect your college career? Well think again. If you are in college and get pregnant, the chances are you will not finish your degree in the time frame you planned. And once you quit, it is much harder to go back.
Among unmarried young women (age 20-29) nearly 70 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned according to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Another study by this campaign showed that roughly one in four teens get pregnant by age 20.
Last year I covered an event here at Hinds Community College (where I work in PR) and heard a presentation of “Back off Baby, I’m in College” (part of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy). I decided that I would like to be on the committee. I did not get pregnant while I was in college, but I did quit college and start working here at Hinds Community College without finishing my degree. About 10 or so years later I had still had not gone back to finish that degree because I was a single mother of two by then. Now 23 years later I am working on my degree while working full time AND being a single mom of two (almost) teenagers (14 and 12.) So my point is…finish that degree, because if you don’t, it is much harder to go back later.
This campaign is not just for female students. Men play an important role in this conversation, and their education can also be affected by an unplanned pregnancy. Caring about preventing unplanned pregnancy and learning about birth control are just as important for the guys as they are for the ladies.
Here at Hinds there are many things you can do to educate yourself and do whatever it takes for you to stay in school and work toward your goal. There is always a seminar to go to, or if you just need to talk to someone you can contact me (Tammi Bowles, 601.857.3321) or another member of the committee. You may also contact Director of Counseling and Testing Mary Lee McDaniel at 601.857.3359 for more information.
Here are a few seminars coming up next month designed for faculty, students and employees. Sponsored by the Counseling Department and the “Back Off, Baby, I’m in College” unplanned pregnancy prevention initiative. Employees can get professional development credit for each. Each session is taught by and/or co-hosted by a Hinds Community College faculty or staff member.
Tuesday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. in Beemon 158 – “Dressing For Success” - Simonee Patton will discuss strategies for successful job interviews as well as clothing choices for a business environment. (Hinds CC Co-Presenter: Bridgett Oakes, Learning Skills courses)
Thursday, March 3 at 11 a.m. in Reeves 165 – “Prescription Drugs and Minors in Possession” - Mack Pampley from National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence will discuss the issue of rising death rates in America from prescription drug overdoses. He will also discuss the effects of underage drinking on college students. (Hinds CC Co-Presenter: Health & P.E. Department)
Wednesday, March 16 at 1 p.m. in Beemon 104 – “Let’s Talk About Sex Baby” - Counselor Jolyn Stone will discuss the emotional consequences of college sexual relationships. (Hinds CC Co-Presenter: Jill Morgan, Psychology of Personal Adjustment)
Thursday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Beemon 158 – “Lay It On Me!”: #bedsider.org - Think you know all about pop culture, the human body, movie, music and random facts surrounding sex and birth control? Test your knowledge and separate fact from fiction. This interactive game is presented by the Director of Counseling and Testing Mary Lee McDaniel.
