Twirlit Interviews Catelynn from MTV’s “Teen Mom”

By Kat Ahn on January 6th, 2010

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MTV is not exactly known for their musical rotation anymore. No, this cable network is more likely to be airing the drama between Kristin Cavallari and Audrina Patridge from “The Hills,” or, of course, the tanned, juiced-up antics of “Jersey Shore,” which has caused much uproar and simultaneous love from viewers. But this network does air a few shows that I continue to watch, one of which is the “True Life” series, where you can take a peek into the lives of young people facing anything from eating disorders to addiction to those struggling with financial issues.

And, of course, the more recent “16 and Pregnant,” docu-series which took us into the lives of Catelynn, Farrah, Amber, and Maci, teenage girls who let us see the hardships that go along with being super-young and pregnant. “Teen Mom” continues the story of these girls as they deal with adoption, school, parents and relationship issues, and it definitely doesn’t glamorize the realities and responsibilities of being a young mother.

I recently spoke with Catelynn, who spent her Junior year pregnant with her daughter, Carly. She and her boyfriend Tyler chose a semi-open adoption where they are able to communicate regularly with Carly’s adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa. Though their parents disapprove of their decision, Catelynn and Tyler are dealing with the everyday reality of their decision.

Catelynn, really great to speak with you. So where are you from? And tell us a little bit about you, your favorite movies, TV shows, music — are you on Facebook obsessively?
I’m from Michigan and I love Pink. Instead of Facebook, I’m on MySpace, and I’m a normal teenager. I hang out with friends, love movies, go to school, go to bonfires.

Cool. So, how did you get involved with being on the show “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom”?
Well, MTV contacted my adoption agency and they were looking for girls who were 16, pregnant, and in their 3rd trimester. Then I made a video, got chosen by the producers, did the show “16 and pregnant” and decided to do “Teen Mom.”

Did you ever think that you’d be a young mother, and how difficult was it to decide to give Carly up for adoption? Has it gotten easier for you and Tyler over time?
I never thought I’d become pregnant. I really thought, “It would never happen to me.” It was definitely really hard going through the process of putting my daughter up for adoption. Me and Tyler have days when we miss her a ton, but we’ve been doing really good. It gets easier. We do have a semi-open adoption so we can get updates on her.

You’ve gone through pregnancy, and giving up your baby for adoption, all on national TV — is it weird to see your personal life displayed on TV and the Internet?
It’s weird at first, after seeing the commercials, but mostly it’s a cool experience because it let me put my story out there. I’m used to it now.

Do you think that you’re setting a good example out there for girls younger than you?
I do, because in my situation, I had to do what was best for my child. I can make something good come out of it. There are other options out there — its a good option. You have to think about what is best for your kid.

Very true. The USA had the highest rate of teen pregnancy and teen birth in the developed world. Why do you think that is?
I don’t think parents are talking to their kids about sex. I mean, we were never taught about birth control and prevention. Girls won’t have sex with condoms because the guys don’t like it, and that’s the truth. You’re taking a risk every time you have sex. I think there needs to be more education about this in school. Sex-Ed is sort of glossed over because they don’t talk about other options.

Do you think that the popular movie “Juno” glamorized teen pregnancy? What do you want to tell the young girls about what it’s really like to be a teen mom?
I mean, some things were the same — telling your parents, the awkwardness, but some of it wasn’t. They didn’t go into detail about the bad stuff. How you feel alone, stressful, parents freak out at you, and they made it more funny than serious.

Do you keep in contact with the other girls on the show? Maci, Amber or Farrah?
I talk to Maci sometimes, but not the other girls.

You’re a high school senior now, any plans for college? What do you ultimately want to do with your life?
Personally, after I graduate, I want to go to Community College and want to be a nurse in a maternity ward. I want to work with children. I definitely want to work while I’m in college.

For more on Catelynn and to watch clips from MTV’s “Teen Mom,” go to MTV.com or watch the show on MTV every Tuesday night at 10 PM PT/ET.