Worthing student beats the odds, earns scholarship

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- She was known for getting into trouble at school. Fighting sent her to juvenile detention. Now, this Worthing High School student is at the top of her class, all while becoming a teen mom.

Jazlyn Robinson describes her life two years ago, "I got pregnant at 14, 9th grade, it was tough."

Jazlyn gave birth to her son Nolan. A week later, she returned to Worthing in Southeast Houston.

"What did you think when you found out you were pregnant," we asked.

"My life is over. I can't do anything. I don't wanna do anything," Jazlyn said.

Jazlyn's father and the father of her son are both in prison. She says she acted out in school and spent time in juvenile detention.

"What was getting in the way with you? My attitude. I didn't wanna hear anyone say anything to me. Don't look at me, don't touch me, don't talk to me," she said.

Then, something changed. Jazlyn says, "(I) met amazing teachers who just helped me and just pushed and pushed and pushed. It wasn't easy, but they did it."

Worthing High School teacher Michelle Foy is teaching Jazlyn for the second time this year, Foy described her experience with Jazlyn,

"I'm a teacher, but she taught me, honestly. I could show her once and students that needed assistance, I could go to one side and help and she can go on the other side. And, she's the momma she can crack the whip and make sure they get it done right," said Foy.

When hearing Jazlyn describe Foy as her favorite teacher, Foy responded, "I'm not quite sure I feel like I did anything outside of love her. She did all the rest. She's the one that works hard."

Jazlyn's workload is impressive for a teenager. She wakes up at 5:15 am, takes care of her baby, goes to school, picks up Nolan and finally does her homework.

"Like I tell my friends, this is not what you want. This is not what's up," said Jazyln.

Now, she is one of four Houston area students receiving a college scholarship.

"The people you disrespect the most, you gonna need them. I stopped with the attitudes and I actually went for help," she said.

Jazlyn received a two $2,000 scholarship. She says she wants to go to Prairie View A & M and become a pediatric nurse.