Washoe Country School District
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Evelyn Vazquez's Profile
Wooster Teen Seeks a Better Future for Two
Student: Evelyn Vazquez
School: Wooster High School
Most teen mothers have a difficult time keeping up with their academics as they find ways to care for their child. But for Wooster High School senior Evelyn Vazquez, 17, she knew she would miss out on many other opportunities in life unless she assumed personal responsibility for her education.
“I didn’t see why I should drop out,” Evelyn said.
Evelyn became pregnant as a sophomore and gave birth to her daughter, Nayeli, in June 2010. Already struggling in school, she worried about how to complete her remaining two years while learning how to be a mother.
Her counselor, David Erickson, referred her to the Washoe County School District’s Cyesis program at Washoe High School. Pregnant students are offered assistance and guidance to continue their studies. Students interested in taking Cyesis have to apply and are only accepted if there’s availability for them.
“At Cyesis, they work around doctor’s appointments and students can get on Plato if they have morning sickness,” Erickson said. “Students get make-up time.”
At her first chance, Evelyn returned to Wooster to finish her academics and take part in the school’s social activities as she was able. She looks forward to graduating with friends whom she says have been very supportive of her.
“One of Evelyn’s strengths is she has a very engaging personality,” Erickson said. “It’s an enormous challenge going to school and going through the first time having a baby. Lots of students might stay home and watch soap operas, but Evelyn’s always had more ambitions than that.”
Evelyn said she was highly motivated to get her diploma. She has a younger sister who is taking Honors classes and also encourages Evelyn to perform at her best.
“I had to step up my game, baby or no baby,” Evelyn said. “I tried to control my time management. I’d always save time to do my homework.”
Erickson said with so many adult responsibilities to think about now, Evelyn has obtained a maturity that’s hard to find among her peers.
“As a counselor and a parent myself, you have a hard time getting your kids to think past Saturday night or maybe doing something on Sunday,” he said. “It can be a little tough for a teen mom to come back and manage her personal life, but Evelyn’s an awesome person.”
A key piece of advice Evelyn gives her friends is to consider their future.
“Would you rather be working at McDonald’s for the rest of your days with your baby?” she said. “You just really have to think about the future.”
