Senior year can have a variety of emotions. Anticipation. Worry. Joy. Sadness. Anger. Surprise. Seniors have several life-defining moments that have strict deadlines. Also, some students participate in sports, clubs, and other after school activities that can interfere with those important dates. 
    It is Monty Franklin’s turn to go through all of the decisions a successful senior has to make. He plans to attend University of Florida next fall, runs track, is on the wrestling team, and is very involved in the conflict mediation group here on campus. 
    Also, he is becoming a father in November. 
    Six months ago Franklin found out that his girlfriend, senior Winnishia Mahan, is pregnant. The two have known each other since their freshman year. He has a lot on his hands with school, sports, and activities but on top of that he is having a daughter that the couple will name Melany. 
    Franklin said that he is motivated to take care of his daughter and still attend school at the same time thanks to his participation in conflict mediation. In the group, people will talk about problems that they are having in their lives. 
    "Their stories are very inspiring," he said. "They make me feel like a better person." 
    Franklin was the only student to be in the group last year but now that there is more students joining he is considered the "head student." 
    "I like it a little more this year," he said. "Everything is going good so far. The group helped me to be more motivated and responsible." 
    Aspiring to take care of his daughter, who will not be joining him as he moves, Franklin says that he grew up a lot faster. Melany will be staying at both his grandparents’ and Winnishia’s house when the two are in college as they both live near each other. 
    As for Mahan, she plans to attend a four-year university after she graduates to help support her daughter. 
    Franklin’s mother had him when she was 17 years old, the same age he is now, and his father died a few years after he was born. "I want to make sure that my daughter doesn’t go through the same things that I went through." 
    Franklin lives with his grandparents, Glenda, 62, and Arthur, 66, and they motivate him to do the very best he can at everything. "They’ve been there for me my whole life," he said. "I have a lot of support from them." 
    Having a lot of support from his grandparents, he is motivated to be responsible for his daughter. She is not even born yet and it is already a big transition from being a regular senior to a soon-to-be father. "It makes you grow up a lot more faster," said Franklin. 
    His grandfather Arthur, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, said that Monty is a great help around the house. "He is also very responsible."
    When asked how he felt about the pregnancy, Arthur said that he was mad at first because he tried to teach his grandson to be safe. 
    "But after two or three days I started thinking about the baby and I got very excited and felt great," he said. 
    As he prepares for his upcoming child, Franklin plans to study psychology in Florida and hopes to be successful in life. 
    "As far as me going to Florida," said Franklin. "The baby won’t affect it much, but I will do what I can do to be here for my daughter."