In your own words tell us about an instance when you had a perplexing, confusing, or surprising experience with your own health.

When I was 16 years old, I was pregnant unknowingly, and had a miscarriage in my room without telling anyone. In school, I was never taught about the repercussions needed after going through such a thing. I didn’t really understand why that happened to me. I remember watching videos on celibacy but never in protective actions taken prior to having sex.

How did this event or journey impact your day-to-day life?

No one talk enough about the emotional turmoil a woman might go through whether that pregnancy was planned or not. No one talks about the physical differences in your body and mind much less how it affects you in the future regarding your fertility. I am now almost 22 years old and still have question about my fertility and how that might be affected due to my miscarriage. More over, how the effects of being on birth control for so long has on you.

If you could go back and tell your previous self something you know now about this health issue or journey what might that be?

Don’t be scared. Tell someone. It is okay to have sex and it is okay if it happens unprotected.

Can you share any strategies or support that aided you in overcoming this health issue or journey, or are helping you to work through it, in terms of physical and/or mental well-being?

Your body rejects something before your mind even knows of its existence. Listen to your body, trust your gut if you think something is off, and don’t be afraid to ask for resources.