The following story comes from Your Choice Resource Center in Rocky Mount, NC.
I had no idea what I was in for when my parents dropped me off at college last fall. I grew up in a strong Christian home—my dad was an usher at our church and my mom led the women’s ministry. I was very involved in youth group in high school, but always felt lame spending my Saturday nights at church while my friends were at parties or going on dates. I didn’t realize how much I wanted that kind of life until I got to college.
It was the Saturday after orientation—a huge party, a dark room, too much to drink. I didn’t plan on losing my virginity. It just happened. I walked home alone that night and cried myself to sleep. I couldn’t believe that I had sex with a total stranger. I couldn’t believe how horrible and alone it made me feel.
A few weeks passed and I found myself in the same situation—another huge party, another dark room, and way too much alcohol. But this time, I didn’t feel horrible or alone. In fact, I felt nothing at all. I was numb and this patterned continued.
After a late period, I was convinced I was pregnant. Several weeks later, I heard about a bus, called a Stork Bus, that was coming to my college campus. They offered free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, so I quickly set up an appointment.
They were eager to listen to my story. I was so embarrassed and ashamed to tell them why I was there, but they were nothing but encouraging and loving towards me.
They offered me a pregnancy test and I found out I wasn’t pregnant. My late period was likely due to stress or unhealthy habits. The nurse gave me very helpful information regarding STI’s and the many benefits of preserving sex for marriage. I began to cry, thinking, “But I’ve already had sex. I’ve ruined myself.”
The nurse told me that it didn’t matter what was in my past—God had a great plan for my future. It wasn’t until that point that I truly understood what the Gospel meant and that it is for me. After recommitting my life to God, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t have sex until I was married.
The next night one of the guys I had been seeing asked me to spend the night with him. I turned him down, telling him about the new commitment I made. And while some people might make fun of me for this, this was the most empowering choice I’ve ever made.
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