I am 28-years-old and have been married and divorced. I don't regret my decision to do either. I learned a great deal from the whole experience and feel as if I will enter into my next (and, hopefully, final) marriage with insight.

I also have an 11-year old son that I have raised on my own since I was 16. I go back to my high school every year to speak publicly on teen pregnancy.

My Philosophy Is Based On My Experiences

Good relationships are about finding the right person and being the right person.

While I don't always agree with the panelists, I don't know that my point of view differs that much from most of them - what I do know is that I have had a variety of experiences that may offer a different perspective from time to time.

I Was Raised By An Alcoholic Mother

I was raised in a dysfunctional family with a mother who was an alcoholic. This taught me to be independent at a very early age. I've learned that the common denominator for girls who have alcoholic mothers is
low self-esteem.

As a result, I have struggled with this off and on my whole life (which I also believe is a factor in my getting pregnant at such a young age), even though I come across as a very confident and self-assured person.

I haven't lived at home since I was 16 - and my dream is to someday have stable and peaceful family of my own.

My Goals

Because I have been a single mother and on my own from a very early age, I have found completing college to be difficult. Therefore, one of my goals is to further my education. I also want to raise emotionally intelligent children and marry a good friend.

My Fears

I'm afraid of not living up to my potential. I'm afraid of allowing anything worthwhile to slip through my hands, out of insecurity - whether it is an opportunity or a human being. I'm afraid of letting myself down. I'm afraid that my children will repeat my more serious mistakes.

My Favorite Quote

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

I believe that I am a highly articulate and sharply intelligent young woman but I am also well aware of my own limitations and characteristic flaws (for example, I'm terribly stubborn and overly emotional). I believe in powers like insight, forgiveness and hope. I believe in leaving your world and your surroundings a little better than you found them and that there is no greater gift than knowing you have made a difference in the life of another.

– Annabelle