My name is Ana Colon. I am a single mom to my 14 year old daughter, Anayah Pabey Colon. I also have a 2 year old baby boy, whom I am raising as a family with his dad and Anayah, of course.

I remember as if it was yesterday the fear I felt when I discovered, at the “tender” age of 17, I was expecting a baby. In my eyes, this was a nightmare and my mom was going to kill me! Many things happened in between then and the time I gave birth to my daughter, but one sticks out. I remember a family member, after learning I was pregnant, saying, "Oh, I am not surprised. That is the style." I was also not surprised. It was what I too saw. Thinking back, I guess it was in style.

The "style" was also staying with your parents, dropping out of school and living off welfare. I did all three, then changed them all! I lived with my mom for the first 6 months of my daughter's life, then went to a shelter and have had my apartment for 12 years now. Dropped out of school? Yes, I did that too. But then went back, got my GED and graduated from Elizabeth Grady. I was able to get a job and get off government assistance, all while being a single parent. I made it my purpose to change the "style" and make it my own, well mine and hers. I was no longer alone. I am Anayah's mom and dad!