e when I went to get our picture done. He adored everything, and he was especially fond of all the food!

Melissa posted the prom video, which has already gotten more than 220k likes and a mind-blowing 1.6 million views.

I’ve received the occasional critical comment, but I’ve also received messages from pregnant ladies who are still enrolled in school and are concerned about returning.

I’ve mostly received a lot of really positive support, which is great because it’s coming from people I don’t know.

Melissa received a barrage of criticism regarding the effects of having a child so young after learning she was pregnant in the middle of lockdown.

However, the former Ridgeway High School student is eager to dispel the stigma associated with becoming a teen mother.

I had Arthur at age 15, Melissa stated. With the help of my brother and sister-in-law, I’ve sort of done it on my own as his dad hasn’t really been active. ‘I was quite young when I learned I was pregnant, obviously.’

‘It was challenging because I kept hearing that I was wrecking my life and wouldn’t pass my GCSEs. People always comment so much when I’m out with him.

‘People frequently mistake him for being my younger brother, but when I tell them otherwise, their perspective completely shifts.

‘Older folks find it unpleasant in particular because it’s evident that their approach was to get married first and have children later,’

Melissa was thrilled with the positive reception she and Arthur received when they showed up for the prom at Thornton Hall on June 30 despite the negativity that sometimes comes with being a teen mother.

It was wonderful that strangers—some of whom I don’t even generally speak to—came up to her and complimented me and Arthur on their cuteness.

‘My teachers at school gave me the best support I could have asked for.’ ‘My deputy head and my form tutor in particular have been incredibly helpful throughout.’

They are the ones who have helped me through the challenging times of being a mother. Melissa earned a spot to study Health and Social Care at college in September after finishing her GCSEs last month.

She is really appreciative of the support she has had from her brother and sister-in-law, who have been a huge help since Arthur was born, even though she is proud of what she has accomplished as a teen mother.

She continued, ‘I am proud of myself since I thought that was it when I found out I was pregnant.’

‘I had assumed that I wouldn’t be able to return to school, but after doing some research, I discovered that there are ways to make it happen. I’m excited about starting college in September now that I have a spot reserved.’