From the Cardinal’s Nest by Emily Bergstrom, Executive Director
There is no “one size fits all story” for pregnant and parenting students, but they frequently have at least one thing in common: life didn’t go quite as planned. On this blog, I regularly share stories of real students who chose to attend a school program specially designed for pregnant and parenting teens.
Meet Amelia! She was born and raised in Boise. She is now 25 and graduated in 2013 from a high school for pregnant and parenting students.

Tell me about your kids.
I have two wonderful kids. Isaac is 10 years old and Jaiden is 5 years old. Isaac is quirky, introverted, peaceful and Jaiden is charismatic, determined, and fun-loving. I like to say that I’m raising the sun and the moon.
What are you up to these days, besides being a mom?
Currently, I work in adoptions and go to Boise State University for my bachelor’s in Social Work.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Creative writing and history
What was your favorite school lunch?
I wish I could remember more about the school lunches. I think there were some muffins that were good but honestly, I can’t remember!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to craft. Any major holiday coming up? Gotta make some decorations. Any minor annoyance that needs resolving? Craft it. Never pay for anything except a hot glue gun.
Why did you choose to attend a program designed especially for pregnant and parenting students?
Honestly, it was not my choice to attend a school for pregnant and parenting teens. I was attending an online school (miserably) and my mother stepped in to enroll me, thus ensuring my graduation. She convinced me with “you’ve got so many cute clothes and nowhere to wear them to”.
What was the best thing about it?
The best thing about my high school experience was being ‘paid’ for attendance and using it for items at the school store. It was a great system to help us with feeling independent and providing for our children.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a graduate.
Want to own your story and start making a better future for yourself and your growing family? Sign up today at https://cardinalacademycharter.org/. Get a $25 Winco card just for signing up. If you sign up a friend, they get $25 and you get $50! Contact us with questions or sign up today!