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“I just started going to TAFE and I’m going back to work one day a week… if I can make it work… I’m not sure if it’ll be too much. It’s a big commitment so we’ll see how that goes.”
Supporting her parenting journey, Elli’s mum referred her to Brave Foundation’s Supporting Expecting and Parenting Teens (SEPT) program. But, with Oakli’s father not in the picture she admits it can be challenging to hold parenting and everything else at once.
“It’s just very overwhelming. It’s a lot of responsibility to put on a 16-year-old, which can be challenging. Especially doing it alone when you don’t have a partner with you or something, so yeah, and supportive family. Watching your friends go out and do things.”
While some aspects of young parenthood have presented new challenges, there’s a lot that Elli’s excited about too — like getting to grow up alongside Oakli.
“I get to grow up with her. I’m young so I can play with her and stuff more, be more involved and connected with her. As she grows up, I’ll still be at her level in a way.”
With her mentor, Lisa, by her side, Elli is well on her way to achieving the goals she set for herself.
“We had quite a few [goals] – I wanted to be able to buy a car by end of last year – which I achieved – and to enrol in a course. Originally, I wanted to do graphic design but ended up getting into school-based support because I grew more interest there.”
While it can be tough watching her friends follow different paths, Elli has found her own village after some school friends had children of their own.
“What else [goals] did we have…? Getting linked in with young parents and like, playgroups. Which I did do but life got too busy – a few of my old school friends had babies so I connected with them. I’m happy I have other people to talk to about stuff.”
Looking towards the future, Elli’s taking it day by day. While one day she has dreams to travel, her first priority is creating stability and independence for her and her child.
“I’m kinda just trying to get a stable job and hopefully save to move out, get my own place and just… I don’t know, travel a bit if I can afford it at some point. I’d love to travel, even if it’s just in a van or something. I don’t know, I haven’t really got to that part yet.”
Elli’s Mentor, Lisa, says she is proud of her progress, as she makes the transition into parenthood with strength and determination.
“Elli’s journey reminds us that young parents are capable, resilient, and deserving of every opportunity to thrive — and I’m incredibly proud to have walked alongside her as she began her journey into parenthood. Elli set and achieved some amazing goals for herself, each leading to wonderful outcomes for her and little Oakli and I’ve loved celebrating these wins with her. Even on the tough days, she showed strength and determination, often inspiring those around her without even realising it.”
We can’t wait to see what’s next for Elli!