Each episode follows three teens as they struggle to prepare themselves for life after high school; this week features Angela—an aspiring dancer hoping to get into a prestigious college program, Maurice—a high school senior in Chicago unsure if he’s prepared to be the first in his family to graduate high school and attend college, and Christina—a pregnant teen trying to balance motherhood while getting her diploma.  

Here’s what our speak peak audience had to say about Christina’s story…

At first I thought she would be very stereotypical, but I was surprised by how much I liked her and how others could probably identify with her. There was a lot more going on that I thought at first.

About her fiancé Les…

It’s totally realistic how guys would react to having a kid. They don’t know what to do so they just follow a stereotype how they think they should act.

And about her struggle to balance baby and school…

The show did a really great job of playing with my emotions. Like sometimes with cute moments or having the baby was so sweet and loving, and in the next moment with the baby screaming and school work I instantly realized how hard it would really be. 

Tune into Al Jazeera on Sunday, September 14^th at 9pmET so you can tell us your reaction to Christina’s story! And be sure to check out the episode trailer here.

There’s no perfect moment when you’ll suddenly know that you’re ready for sex. Sex is a complicated and personal decision so it’s all about knowing what’s best for you. No one else can tell you when you’re ready but here are a few things you should consider:

 

Are you doing this because YOU want to? Or are you thinking about having sex because someone else wants you to? Maybe you’re not sure you’re ready, but your partner is putting on the pressure? Or maybe all your friends seem to be having sex, so you feel you should be too? Having sex because someone else is pressuring you is not a good reason. Remember, you're in charge of your own life—don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.

Have you seriously considered the consequences of having sex? Obviously, sex can have some serious physical consequences, such as unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re going to have sex, you need to think about birth control options and choose a method that will work for you.  But sex is more than just the physical stuff. Have you considered the emotional consequences that sex might have on you, your partner, and your relationship? Having sex with someone takes things to a whole new level—are you and your partner ready for that? Have you talked about it? If you’re not sure that you’re ready or you haven’t talked with your partner (or are too embarrassed to), it might be a good idea to wait.

Are you and your partner on the same page? You can’t expect to understand what your partner is thinking or expect them to understand what you’re thinking if you aren’t talking about it. You’ve got to talk with your partner about how they feel about sex, what each of you are comfortable doing, and what each of you will do to prevent pregnancy and STIs. If you can’t talk about sex with your partner, then you’re probably not ready to have it. It’s as simple as that.

Do you know how to have protect yourself? It’s really important that you know how to protect against pregnancy and STIs. If you’re going to have sex, you have to use birth control consistently and correctly every single time you have sex in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Remember: if you're having sex and not using birth control, you're planning to get pregnant. Again, this is something you need to talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about before you have sex so you’re both okay about what you’re going to use.

The decision to have sex is a BIG one. If you feel comfortable with the situation and have had an open and sincere conversation about sex with your partner, maybe you are ready. But if you aren’t totally comfortable with the decision, then you probably aren't. It might help to talk to someone you trust about the pros and cons of the situation. Even if it seems tough, try talking to your parents and getting their advice. Or try another trusted adult, older sibling, or responsible friend who is willing to talk to you