My name is Felicia Rodriguez. I am 18 years old and a graduating senior at Albuquerque Evening High School. I am the mother of a beautiful baby girl, Estrella, and a wife to Joseluis, an aspiring diesel mechanic.

As you probably realize, I am a teenage mother, having had a baby at age 16. Many people thought I had messed up my life by getting pregnant at such a young age. I was going to take my responsibility of having a child very seriously. This tiny baby was something to be very proud of. I was excited, even though I wasn't 25 and married.

I also wasn't going to let my situation stop me from making something of myself. If it did anything, this situation made me more determined to beat the odds. I did not want to become a drop-out statistic!

One of the best things that has happened to me is my husband. I was blessed with a wonderful man who has stepped up to the plate and taken on major responsibilities. He has worked full time, starting his day at 4:30 a.m., to provide for the necessities that my daughter and I need. He has loved and supported us during my pregnancy and thereafter. Two months after our daughter was born, we were engaged, then married in April of 2005.

I feel that I have come a long way from where I was at 16. One of the major contributors to my success has been Albuquerque Evening High School. I found AEHS through my husband who at the time was a dropout but had decided to go back to school (at AEHS). I decided to go with him to give him support. He graduated last year.

What I discovered while I was there was a place where teachers knew the students and the staff didn't judge people by the choices they had made in their lives. This was a place where they congratulated successes. Thanks to the support from my counselors and teachers, I have made it this far. And, because of them they have made this journey a little easier.

As I leave AEHS, I will think about all of the people that doubted my ability to pursue my dreams. I will think about those that thought that I wouldn't make it. But I will not linger on those thoughts. Instead, I will remember those that have supported me, especially my husband, my family, and the Albuquerque Evening High School.

My goals are to attend TVI, then transfer to the University of New Mexico for a degree in nursing.

Because I was blessed with a healthy and beautiful baby, I hope to someday help those who are not as fortunate as I am. I also want to continue being a good wife and mother. I have received a scholarship from the Hispano Chamber of Commerce and hope to obtain additional scholarships from my school. I look forward to what the future brings.