Job Training
I was involved in a program at school where we would go to different schools and serve as teachers aides. I attended the Teacher’s Academy and this school is for students who want to become teachers. I would work for about six hours per week and this was something I did for about three years. They also gave us parenting classes and child care classes so that we would know how to deal with the kids. I have not tried to access any other job training programs in the community. I think the quality of the program I was in at the school was very good.

Have you received job training recently? Yes

Employment
I have not looked for work. I have been going to school.

Have you gotten a new job, increased work hours or earnings in the recent past? No

Child Care
I just had my baby about two weeks ago and did not need child care until then. Right now, I have graduated and I am able to take care of my baby. If I need to go somewhere I can ask my mother to help me with the baby. When I return to college, my mother says that she will help me with my child. Having my baby has brought my family closer together. Before I would talk to my mother about once a week and now I talk to her everyday.

Have you received child care assistance to help you get to work? No

Transportation
We have our own car right now. My husband uses it to get to work. We also use it to get to all our appointments. Right now I am not out very much although I can if I need to. There is also no public transportation in this area because we live way from town.

Do you have adequate transportation to get to and from work? Yes

Health
My whole family is very healthy. We do not have any health problems. We have no problems working or anything. I believe [I] have recovered quicker from the birth of my child due to being healthy.

Do you and your family have a regular doctor who normally provides care? Yes

Health Care
Right now and for the next two months I am covered by Medicaid. My baby has Medicaid for the next year. I think I’m also covered under my mother’s insurance but I need to check on that. I have not had any problems accessing health care or in receiving health care. I have not had to pay for anything. My husband may be able to get insurance at his work for us but he has to work for about one year to qualify.

Do you now have health insurance of any kind (including Medicaid)? Yes

Additional Information
I graduated from high school this past May and I believe that my school and my teachers had a good influence on me and me being pregnant. When I first got pregnant, I thought that they might think wrong of me, but when I told them they were very supportive and offered my a lot of help and support. They encouraged me to stay focused on my education.

Last Question
I expect things for myself and my family to get much better.

Demographics
Author’s community or neighborhood of residence: Hidalgo County/McAllen, TX
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Last year of school completed: HS Diploma
Race: Hispanic
Number of own children at home: 1
Household size (enter appropriate numbers): 4 Children; 7 Adults
Does Author’s partner or spouse live in the household? Yes
Author’s gross cash earnings for previous calendar month: $1,000
Does Author currently receive any cash public assistance or welfare? No
Manner: Transcribed by collector