(published in the TATSULOK 2nd issue, 2nd semester SY 07-08)

 

            When my bestfriend told me that she was four months pregnant, I almost couldn’t believe the news. A picture of her wearing a maternity dress, of course with her bulging tummy, flashed in my mind instantly. What’s more stupid was that I even asked her how that happened! Of course, it was because she and her boyfriend did something to make the baby. But later that day, I came to realize that a lot of college girls were in a situation like hers.

 

            Being pregnant while still in school is the newest fashion nowadays, and I don’t know whether I should agree to that or not. But take a walk around the campus and you will surely see a preggy lady. I am now used to seeing them walking to their classrooms, holding their books, doing the way of a typical student, as if nothing happened.

 

            Before you get me wrong, let me make myself clear. I have nothing against these people. In fact, I admire them for being so strong to bear such a condition while still striving to reach for their ambitions and dreams. And frankly, to stand the situation for nine months is more acceptable than having the baby aborted because of the fear to be humiliated by it. In the first place, why would you do something that you know would bring such a shameful consequence to you (if that’s what you think)? And I hate to call it that way. I still consider the belief that every baby is a blessing.

 

            Well, back to that newest fashion thing. I remember someone saying that a swelling tummy is now considered as an accessory in college. If it really is, then why not just act as if your stomach is something bought from the most expensive fashion store in Paris? I mean, what’s the point of concealing it when you know that, sooner or later, it will voluntarily show itself? And when that day comes, wear the trendiest maternity dress, walk confidently, and just be beautiful. Don’t mind those eyes looking at you. Just think of the joy and happiness the baby will bring you after more or less nine months.

 

            Just to set the record straight, I am not encouraging any girl out there to get pregnant right now, while still pursuing her study. It is still better to participate in classroom discussions and take exams without thinking of anyone but yourself. All I’m saying is that be brave enough to face the results of everything you’ve done.

 

            College pregnancy, though coined as the newest trend among college girls, is still generally not fashionable. And honestly, I still don’t want to be trendy that way.