Our Spring 2019 Birth Parent Scholarship winner, Hannah Myers is taking her talents to West Coast University. Hannah is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the hopes of working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse.
Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH) receives numerous essays from birth parents who want to pursue a degree in higher education. In the essays, the birth parents will tell us a little bit about themselves, their adoption experience and their future goals. It is an honor to present Hannah Myers with the $5,000 Birth Parent Scholarship. Hannah’s story inspired our directors and board members. She is a hard-working individual that is determined to succeed in life and help other women along the way.
Hannah’s adoption story began in a unexpected way. She was a full time, dual-campus student finishing up pre-nursing at California State University – San Marcos and Palomar Community College. She never imagined herself facing an unplanned pregnancy; especially under the circumstances.
“I found out I was pregnant two weeks before my 23rd birthday. The news was… heavy that’s the best way I can describe it.”
Although she had a very supportive family adoption was not her first choice. She did not feel ready to raise her son and knew she couldn’t offer him everything he deserved. Hannah’s father is a nurse and has experience with the procedure taken to terminate a pregnancy. He knew that Hannah was not medically or mentally ready to go through that process. After contemplating her options, she decided on adoption.
Hannah chose to place her son in an open adoption. Open adoption is when there is some ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive parents after placement. Hannah immediately knew who she wanted to parent her son after speaking to the prospective adoptive parents for the first time. She shared with the couple that they would be having a boy. The couple looked at each other and cried; this just confirmed that she made the right decision. Henry was born on August 16th, 2017 and was placed with his adoptive parents on August 20th. Having the privilege of being raised by two loving parents is something Hannah wanted Henry to experience
“Adoption was the absolute best and hardest decision I have ever made in my entire life.”
She received support from her parents and brother throughout the whole process; that support is something she’ll always be grateful for. They stood beside her during the most difficult period of her life. Although this was a hard process, it shed a light on her goals and allowed her to focus on the future.
Hannah started her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the West Coast University in January for the 2019 Spring Semester. She is not only a student, but she also tutors anatomy classes, interns at a hospital and works part-time at a Boys and Girls Club in her town. Being a birth mother has humbled her and deepened her respect for women and life. Henry inspired her to specialize as a Labor and Delivery Nurse once she’s done with her nursing program.
“I want to thank my son for giving me this experience. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for him.; Adoption was my saving grace. My son got a beautiful life with loving parents and I can focus on my goals for the future.”
We are so proud of Hannah and all she is doing to pursue her dreams. Congratulations on your scholarship, Adoptions From The Heart wishes you nothing but happiness and success!
