A teenage mum who fell pregnant when she was just 14 has bagged her BTECs today.
Melissa McCabe, 16, from Tranmere, gave birth to son Arthur in November 2020.
She overcame criticism and prejudice from other pupils at Ridgeway High School in Birkenhead, the pandemic and full-time study all while looking after her child to get her results of three passes in Animal Care, Business and Travel and Tourism.
She said: ‘When I first realised I was pregnant, I was worried my only choice would be to drop out of school to care for Arthur.
‘I decided to continue with education and I’m so happy I did.
‘I’m really proud of myself and my results. There’s always going to be a little voice nagging in my head that I could’ve done better but I’ve honestly worked so hard to get to this point.
‘I once had a teacher tell me I was never going to make it and that was before I had Arthur, so to prove them wrong has felt amazing!
Melissa McCabe, 16, (right) from Tranmere, gave birth to son Arthur, one, (left) in November 2020. She found out she was 28 weeks pregnant when she was just 14
She received her results of three passes in Animal Care, Business and Travel and Tourism in her BTECs
The youngster said she was proud to achieve her results from Ridgeway High School in Birkenhead
Although she thought about dropping out of school to look after Arthur she decided to stay in education
She sad: ‘I’m really proud of myself and my results. There’s always going to be a little voice nagging in my head that I could’ve done better but I’ve honestly worked so hard to get to this point’
Melissa is determined to shake the stigma young and single parents like her face every day.
She said: ‘As a teen mum, there’s a lot of preconceived stereotypes which come along with the title.
‘I’ve had adults make snide comments at me, like it’s their taxes paying for my son, and that I’m not fit to be a mum.
‘I’ve stayed in education in order to provide for my son and to make a life for the both of us, and I receive very little benefits.
She overcame obstacles including criticism and prejudice from other pupils, the pandemic and full-time study all while looking after her child to get her exam results
‘I’ve had adults make snide comments at me, like it’s their taxes paying for my son, and that I’m not fit to be a mum’
She added: ‘After I took Arthur to prom, my story kind of just blew up on there and I’ve had people messaging me to say how gorgeous he looks and how great a mum I am’
The 16-year-old said there were times she found it difficult to study and revise while being a mum but praised her brother Kyle, 30, and sister-in-law Amy for all their help
‘Once I start attending college to study health and social care, I plan on getting a part-time job to help me even more.
‘People need to start minding their own business and if they don’t have anything positive to say, they should keep it to themselves.
‘I’m doing my best to be the best mum, and best person I can be.’
The 16-year-old said there were times she found it difficult to study and revise while being a mum but praised her brother Kyle, 30, and sister-in-law Amy for all their help.
Little Arthur dressed in her cute three-piece grey suit and bow tie as he went as himmum’s date to her prom
The mother and son made an adorable couple last month as they went to the prom together after Melissa wasn’t able to find childcare
The cheeky chappie stole the show with his terrific outfit and heart-warming smile
She added: ‘My teachers have been super supportive and have aided me when I’ve fallen a bit behind in my studies.
‘Kyle and Amy have kept on at me to keep studying and have always given a helping hand when I needed it.
‘When school reopened during the pandemic, I got a few nasty comments from other pupils at first but I’ve also had a lot of friends stick with me and help me through it all.
‘The most support I’ve had is from people on TikTok.
‘After I took Arthur to prom, my story kind of just blew up on there and I’ve had people messaging me to say how gorgeous he looks and how great a mum I am.
‘It’s been a wild journey but I’m super excited to go to college and see what the future has in store for us.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk