Sean Taylor's Passing: The Value of a Human Life

Like you, I've been glued to the TV, looking up articles on the Internet, and listening to reports on the radio about the passing of Redskins safety, Sean Taylor. Like you, I've been wondering why something so senseless had to happen. Like you, I've been praying for his family and friends - just asking God to wrap His arms around them during this time of immense grieving. I feel such pain for them and for Sean. I never knew him or talked to him, but as a Washingtonian, I feel a certain attachment to him. And his pictures seem to reflect such a genuine person -- someone we could all know from high school, around the way, or a friend's house.

Every day, the news reports senseless killings just like this one. Many times it's another black male, age 15-24, who has fallen victim to a bullet. Other times, it's a child playing in their living room or an old woman sitting on her porch. Regardless of the victim, it's always mind boggling. We want to know WHY?

The specific "why?" in each case is hidden underneath the complexities of the situation -- layers of bitterness, competition, jealousy, need, a lack of love, insecurity, etc. But when we step back and look at the big picture, the general "why?" can be answered with this: a complete disregard for the importance and value of a human life.

I'm baffled by this. I can't wrap my mind around it. And I know it's because I'm a mother who has invested so much in my child. I waited patiently for nine months while she took form, prayed every night for her health and happiness, and then pushed my body to its very limits just so I could see her face. As women, we know the work that goes into creating a life, and we make efforts every day to sustain it. Hopefully, our hard work and love will result in a happy, healthy human being who respects others and who values not only their life but the lives of all people.

But somewhere along the line, its seems like someone or something failed to do that with these criminals. Someone failed to put that time and effort into loving them or some system failed to protect them or inspire them the way it's supposed to. The result is as dangerous as the weapons they use - a person who equates a pair of sneakers, a pound of marijuana or a sum of cash with the intricate and fragile existence that is a human life.

Sean was someone's father, son, fiance, friend, role model, etc. He was something to so many people, and in one moment, he was ripped away. There are many lessons in this tragedy for me. Life is short. Every day is precious. And don't fail the people in your life. Reach out to someone in need. Invest in them as a human being, and in turn you may be saving another.

God bless.

Money for College

I've been receiving a lot of emails and questions during talks regarding teen parents' ability to afford college. Believe me, I didn't have a fat bank account or rich parents who helped pay my tuition. In fact, I was living in a motel when I was filling out my college applications.

So, here is my advice: Once you've given birth to your child, you are considered an "independent student," which means the government doesn't consider you a dependent of your parents and therefore does not take their income into consideration when determining how much money to give/loan you for college. You don't need to rely solely on scholarships and grants to pay tuition, you can also take out student loans.

I know being in debt when you graduate is a scary thought, but investing in your education is one of the best things you can do. As a college graduate, you'll be making more than someone who only has a high school diploma and you'll be able to afford those student loan payments.

To learn more about student loans, you can visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Scholarships and grants are also a great way to pay for college. Check your high school guidance office for scholarship listings that you might be able to qualify for because of a high GPA, your city of residence, hobbies such as singing and dancing, or the fact that you're a teen parent. You can also check the scholarship listings at the Financial Aid Office of the university or college you're interested in. Another resource for scholarships specific to teen parents can be found at: www.collegemommagazine.com.

Best wishes!