Jana-Lee Jones

Meet my mumma - Jana-Lee! 24 years later, she took the time with me to reflect on the struggles she faced as a 16 year old teen mother. 

Quite obviously, she never planned to become pregnant as a 16 year old. At 16, she had dreamed about becoming a model. She even had a modelling agency contact her just after finding out she was pregnant and she had to turn down the offer. She was also interested in art and spent her extra time drawing. 

When I asked her to reflect on what she wished she knew at 16, she talked about how many people doubted her and her ability to raise a child at such a young age. When the nurse told her she was pregnant, she encouraged her to get an abortion. Jana-Lee told the nurse that she was going to keep the baby - the nurse then laughed. She started to cry when she told me this, reflecting on the fact that from the beginning, people have doubted her abilities. 

She has continued to prove people wrong, regardless of their opinions. She has trouble bragging about herself, so I will for her. After she gave birth, she completed high school at an adult learning centre for teen moms. She took the bus to school, with a stroller in tow, and even finished high school on time with her peers. When she was 21, she attended Niagara College and obtained a diploma in Human Resources Management. She has completely defied any negative expectations of her journey and it has made her a better person. But - when you ask her what her greatest accomplishment is, she states that raising strong, independent daughters is what she finds the most rewarding. 

I could go on and on about how my mom has been a superhero in my life. We’ve been through so many things together and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices she has made for me. Without her encouragement, I would not be where I am today and seeing her persevere through life's challenges has contributed to the person I am today. I love you to the moon & back mom!