Teen mom overcomes struggles to gain law degree - Author and entrepreneur advises persons to dream big

Despite dropping out of two high schools before the age of 15, Sashell Hall has emerged triumphant from the challenges that could have completely derailed her life.

Today, the author and entrepreneur proudly holds a law degree, engages as a public speaker, and serves as a compliance officer at a prominent financial institution. Hall, 31, candidly shared her tumultuous journey, recalling her expulsion from Convent of Mercy Academy Alpha at age 14 due to her rebellious reputation.

"I got in a lot of fights, I got a lot of suspensions, and I eventually got kicked [out]," she admitted, revealing that she was out of school for three months during the Christmas term because no other traditional high school would accept her.

Her father, with whom she lived, tried relentlessly, even involving the education ministry, to secure her re-entry into school, but all efforts proved futile. Undeterred, Hall eventually found a lifeline through the Edith Dalton James High School with the help of her neighbour.

"I started going the January and then by February I got pregnant - at 15 years old I dropped out again, and then I decided that I was not about to have an abortion because I found out very early that I was pregnant. This time I was in grade nine. [It was] a very unfortunate situation. Everybody thought my life was over, this is it. Family members were encouraging my father to just done wid me. In other words, 'Don't waste yuh time, she get pregnant, that's it'," she recalled.

Knowing that there was possible ridicule and hardships ahead, she decided to have her baby and did her research to make her next step.

"I found out about the Women's Centre that caters to teen mothers to assist in continuing their education depending on when they dropped out," Hall said. She enrolled in the centre's Mandeville branch in 2007 since she was staying with her aunt, who was her support system along with the father of her child. Hall returned to Kingston shortly before giving birth to her daughter.

"I was able to carry my baby to school because they had a good nursery at the head office, so I would leave my baby there while I go to class and I would go breastfeed and go back to class," she said.

After having the baby, thoughts of finishing high school emerged, but financial constraints loomed. Despite this, Hall's resolve remained unbroken and she got a chance when her counsellor at the Women's Centre, Sasha Tucker, introduced her to a scholarship opportunity for a private high school. Hall got the scholarship and after two years, she excelled, gaining seven subjects. She subsequently secured a scholarship to attend sixth form at Quality Academics. From there, she went on to study law at the University of Technology Jamaica in 2013, all while working at JMMB.

Her daughter, who is now 16 years old, is a testament to Hall's resilience, and Hall said that she often reassures her by saying, "'Mommy, I'm not going to get pregnant'." Reflecting on her challenging past, Hall attributes her temperament before pregnancy to various issues, including the fact that she grew up without her mother.

In her book, The Power of a Second Chance, Hall shares her inspiring journey, encouraging others not to give up on their goals despite setbacks.

"All things will work out for your good if you do not give up," she advised. Hall's message is "Dream big and never underestimate the potential for positive change, regardless of past circumstances".