Rising Above: Balancing Motherhood and Dreams

Hi I'm Beth Terado, 22 years old, from Dayap Calauan Laguna.

I want to share a little about my life as a young mother. It’s not easy, especially when you don’t have the means to fully support your child. But I face motherhood with courage, always giving my best to provide for my child. With God's mercy, I do everything I can for him. No matter how tired I am, just a hug and a kiss from my child make all the exhaustion disappear.

The most difficult thing I have faced in life is where I will get my daughter's milk and diaper every day, how is she when I am not by her side every time I do extra work.

My dream for my daughter and I before I joined LP4Y was to work at Brothers Company, a company providing sales, customer support, and services throughout the country. Working there allows me to provide for my daughter's needs while also saving for my education.

Joining the Program

I heard about LP4Y from one of my friends. He encouraged me to join so I could gain professional experience and it would help my daughter a lot.

What pushed me to join the program was my dream because I wanted to change my life and give my daughter a good life.

It's hard because I don't know what to prioritize my dream or my daughter. Sometimes I thought of stopping the program because I don't want to be away from my daughter but I kept it in my mind that what I'm doing is also for my daughter too.

I felt happy during the training and I found myself again. I had good teammates and Coaches and also the Catalysts to do the company visit.

What I want to gain from LP4Y is to learn and have good experience for my future job and learn more about the English language. 

Rising Above: Journey and Growth

What I am proud of is what I learned from LP4Y: communicating with people, being confident, learning English, using a computer and its features, and being able to go to different companies. 

It can be said that I have been able to help grow the program by encouraging young people who have potential and are ready to gain professional experience.  By organizing each of our assigned tasks.

What I experienced within the program was the first time I became a manager because I knew I could do it, but when I found out that I would be creating my own content for those I would teach, I was weak but because of my team I was with in training, I became stronger, I gained courage and I was able to perform my task well.

I realized that I have become stronger and more resourceful since I joined the program. I have gained the ability to support my daughter, and I have even more dreams for my daughter and me.

The Catalysts and my teammates helped me by guiding and teaching me everything I didn't know yet. Besides teaching, we became a family within the program. We felt guidance and support for each other.

Empowerment and Motherhood

Being part of LP4Y has helped me grow both personally and professionally. While my schedule has changed, I am working towards a better future for my child. Though I may not always be there in the mornings or at bedtime, I cherish the moments we spend together and make them even more meaningful. I have learned to rise above the challenges, balancing motherhood and my dreams with determination and perseverance

To instill values of respect and empathy in my child, I would emphasize the importance of speaking up against bullying and gender-based unfairness, even when it's uncomfortable. We would discuss the impact of gender-based violence and the significance of consent, while also engaging with diverse narratives through books and movies that highlight various female experiences. Active listening and validating the feelings of marginalized groups would be crucial.

In terms of allyship and advocacy, I would teach that supporting women's rights benefits everyone and contributes to a fairer society. We would engage in community events promoting gender equality, volunteer at women's shelters, and discuss actionable ways to make a difference. Additionally, we would explore historical and contemporary feminist movements to understand their significance and impact on society.

LP4Y changed my dreams, my dreams have become higher since I joined the program and while I was in the program I was able to afford my child's milk and diapers. 

As a young mother, women's empowerment holds a deeply personal and powerful meaning for me. It's not just about achieving equality on paper; it's about creating a world where my daughter, and all girls, can thrive and reach their full potential.

I hope that young mothers are empowered to pursue both education and careers, allowing them to balance motherhood with personal aspirations. With access to affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, and supportive workplaces, they can achieve economic independence, which will be a fundamental aspect of their empowerment.

Reflection and Community Impact

Yes, my fellow young mother and I discussed the LP4Y program, what LP4Y is and how it helps our Youth. 

For other young mothers, my advice is to prioritize self-care and personal aspirations while embracing the journey of motherhood. Seek out support networks, whether through friends, family, or community groups, to share experiences and challenges. Advocate for your needs and the needs of your children, and don't hesitate to pursue your goals, education and career opportunities are within reach. Remember, your voice matters in the fight for women's rights; stay informed, engaged, and empowered to make a difference. Celebrate your strength and resilience, especially during Women's Rights Month, recognizing that you are part of a larger movement for equality and justice.

Women's Rights Month represents a time to honor the progress made in the fight for gender equality while recognizing the ongoing challenges that women face. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for women's rights, amplifying voices that have been marginalized, and celebrating the achievements of women throughout history. For me, it is an opportunity to reflect on the strides we have made, to educate others about the issues still at hand, and to inspire collective action toward a more equitable future for all women.

If I could share one message with all young mothers, it would be to embrace your strength and believe in your potential. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your dreams and b alongside motherhood. Seek support, advocate for your needs, and know that you are not alone in this journey. Your voice matters, and you have the power to create positive change for yourself and future generations. Cherish your unique experiences and use them as a source of empowerment.

I would describe my LP4Y journey in one word related to empowerment as "transformation."

This word encapsulates the profound personal growth and change I have experienced throughout the program. It signifies the shift from uncertainty to confidence, from feeling limited to recognizing my potential, and from isolation to building a supportive community. My journey has empowered me to embrace new opportunities and advocate for myself and others, fostering a sense of strength and resilience that will last a lifetime.