I was 18, fresh out of high school, and ready to live my best life. Hot girl summer 2019 was calling my name! Finally being a legal adult, on my own, gave me this intoxicating sense of freedom—the chance to make my own choices and truly live. Like many teenagers, I spent that summer chasing adventure: going to parties, staying out late, and feeling unstoppable. One night at a party, I met my then-boyfriend. We clicked instantly, and I fell head over heels. That summer, which started full of excitement and fun, would quickly change my life in ways I could never have imagined.
On September 19th, almost midnight, I came home from a party and felt an unusual urge to take a pregnancy test. I thought there was no way it could be positive. I had just graduated, turned 18, started college, and had a new boyfriend—pregnant wasn’t even on my radar. But as I sat on the toilet and stared at the test, two unmistakable lines appeared. Then the word “Pregnant.” I froze, overwhelmed by shock, fear, and a confusing mix of emotions. How would I tell my boyfriend? How would my mom react? What about my family and friends? For a moment, I thought my world had ended. Little did I know, this moment would mark the start of a journey that would empower me, challenge me, and eventually bless me with the most incredible gift: my son, Syre.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy comes with some of the hardest decisions a young woman can make. Abortion and adoption crossed my mind—I wasn’t sure I was ready to be a mother at 18. I felt like there was so much I hadn’t yet experienced, so much growing up to do. But one afternoon, after a long, tear-filled phone call with my boyfriend’s older sister, everything shifted. She reminded me that this child could be a blessing, that I would have support, and that choosing to have my baby didn’t make me a failure. Her words gave me the courage to continue. Thankfully, my pregnancy went smoothly physically, but emotionally, it was anything but easy.
My relationships started to strain. My connection with my child’s father was slowly deteriorating, friendships faded, and even my bond with my family felt strained. I remember feeling utterly alone at times. I came across a quote once that said, “The way you treat a woman when she’s pregnant, she will never forget.” And that was true for me—I felt betrayed in ways that still linger nearly three years later. Nights were the hardest: my boyfriend out partying while I went to bed alone, unsure if he still loved me, if he still found me beautiful as my body changed. I shed countless tears, questioning whether all this heartbreak and uncertainty was worth it. It would take me over a year to find my answer, learning along the way how to navigate motherhood as a single parent.
When Syre was about nine months old, I made the difficult decision to step away from my relationship. It was painful for my family, but I knew it was what I needed for my own mental health and well-being. Constantly questioning my relationship had drained me, and I was also navigating postpartum anxiety, stress, and the challenge of figuring out my next steps. At 19, I was unsure if I even wanted to return to college. Deep down, I had dreams and passions I wanted to pursue, but I feared my mom’s judgment. I had something I wanted to share with the world, but I couldn’t quite find the words.
During my pregnancy, I started documenting my journey on YouTube, sharing what it was like to be an expectant mom at 18. One video about my pregnancy story went somewhat viral, and I received messages from young women in similar situations who felt seen and encouraged. I began creating more content—advice for new moms, monthly pregnancy updates, and glimpses into my life. But I wanted more. I wanted a platform where I could share my story fully, and that’s how Raising Syre was born.
Raising Syre became my creative space, my outlet, and my voice. Over the past year, I’ve expanded beyond YouTube, sharing my experiences on my blog and Instagram. I’ve discovered a passion for connecting with fellow young moms, being transparent about single motherhood, co-parenting, dating, and the challenges of reclaiming your own identity. This platform has given me purpose, confidence, and the opportunity to heal wounds I once hid—shame about my body, embarrassment over my struggles with my child’s father, and fear of being vulnerable. Most of all, it’s helped me embrace the incredible gift that is Syre.
He has taught me how to blossom, to love unconditionally, and to rise above judgment. He’s shown me how to pursue my dreams while being present for him, how to turn pain into lessons, and how to find beauty even in hardship. If there’s one message I could share with other young moms, it’s this: embrace your hardships. Grow from them, share your story, and never let being young define your potential. A baby doesn’t limit your future—it can inspire you to become your strongest, most resilient self.
Believe me when I say this: being a young mom doesn’t mean the end of your dreams. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, full of lessons, love, and opportunities. It took courage, faith, and hard work to find my path, but today, I feel aligned with my purpose. And that purpose is not just to raise Syre, but to show others that even in unexpected circumstances, you can thrive, grow, and create a life full of joy and meaning.
