Precious: The Weight of Early Decisions

Overview of the Story

Precious’s story begins when she enters into a relationship at the age of 12, marking the start of challenges that will shape her future. Raised in a family where early pregnancies are common, and education on sexual health is minimal, Precious’s life illustrates how young people can be trapped by generational cycles and limited support systems. Her father’s illness, combined with her family’s struggles, amplifies the challenges she faces in making informed choices about relationships and her future.

As she shares her perspective, Precious highlights the disillusionment that often follows early romantic relationships. What starts as excitement and a desire for connection frequently leads to responsibilities that disrupt her ability to enjoy her youth. Through her reflections, Precious warns of the hardships of early pregnancy, including financial difficulties, strained relationships, and isolation. Her story is both a cautionary tale and a plea for change in how society supports young people.

Themes We Draw From the Story

• Age at First Sexual Experience: Precious’s experiences reveal the vulnerabilities and risks associated with engaging in romantic and sexual relationships at a young age.

• Education and Guidance: The lack of comprehensive sex education in her life underscores the need for proactive and inclusive approaches to teaching teens about healthy relationships and decision-making.

• Cycles of Poverty and Early Pregnancy: Her story demonstrates how early motherhood can limit educational and career opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

• Family Influence: The impact of her father’s illness and the normalization of early pregnancies in her family highlights the significant role that familial dynamics play in shaping a teen’s decisions.

These themes allow students to connect Precious’s personal story to broader societal issues, encouraging them to think critically about their own lives and communities.

Engaging the Kids During the Video

Facilitators engage students by pausing at key moments in Precious’s story to discuss pivotal questions and ideas:

• “Do you think Precious started dating too early? Why or why not?”

• “What could her family have done differently to support her?”

• “How do you think her father’s illness influenced her decisions and opportunities?”

These discussions are designed to help students think critically about the factors that shaped Precious’s choices, while also allowing them to draw parallels to their own experiences.

Following the video, students participate in a journaling exercise where they can reflect on what they learned. They are encouraged to explore their thoughts creatively. Prompts such as “What lessons from Precious’s story resonate with your life?” and “What steps can you take to make informed decisions in your relationships?” help guide their reflections.

The session concludes with an action-based activity where students choose one tangible step they will take based on the story’s themes. Whether it’s learning more about healthy relationships, speaking to a trusted adult, or committing to a personal goal, this activity helps solidify the lessons from Precious’s story and empowers students to take ownership of their growth.