When Did You Get Your First Period?
I saw my first period at the age of 14 when I finished Elementary school. I was born and raised in a foreign country where women are not educated about their body. My parents are not educated and our school system did not use guest speakers to educated the students.
Where Were You When Your First Period Started?
I can not recall exactly where I was or what I was doing when I had my first period. I could remember that I felt what I know now as stomach cramps and pains, because I am a Registered Nurse and have a better knowledge of what happened or how my body works. I was living with my grandmother because my mother was sick and was taken far away from home. One day I noticed that I was having stomach pains and cramps. I wasn't perturbed because I used to have stomach problems; I didn't notice the difference. I started noticing that my dress was stained with blood and I kept on changing my clothes. Where the blood was coming from was a mystery to me for nobody had ever given me "The Talk". I couldn't believe where the blood was coming from when I examined my body. I started panicking about what was going on because there was no injury down there. One day, my grandma happened to see the my dresses stained with blood. She called me inside the room and said "I noticed you have started seeing your Flower, never allow any man to cross you until your wedding day or you become pregnant and your life is ruined. Use a piece of cloth to catch the blood". No further talk about the incident again.
Lessons Learned
- American children are privileged. I did not have anyone tell me about womanhood; there were not guest speakers or mothers present to explain how to use a tampon or pad. I still remember the day when my daughter came home from school wanting "The Talk". I did not know what that meant, but upon clarification, I was able to explain to her how the body of a woman works and how to use a pad.
