Halley G • Pennsylvania • 26
It was an eventful day. I got my first period and my sister gave birth to her first child. I was 13 years old and terrified, but everyone was fawning over the baby so I didn't want to ask for help and risk taking the attention off my newborn niece. When I eventually told my mother, she just told me to go buy tampons and figure it out.
My niece is now 13, I have custody of her. I've told her that the pads and tampons are under the sink and I've taught her how to use them. I never want her to feel ashamed or scared like I did.
