MARY'S STORY

I'm 24, a North Carolina native, college graduate, feminist, outdoorsperson, rape crisis line volunteer, in need of losing 15 pounds, maniacal, computer hobbyist, environmentalist and I write for fun. My full-time job is as a graphic artist, drawing maps and charts. I'm an English major, Political Science minor and I'm getting my second minor in Women's Studies in night classes. My part-time job is menial.

I come from a middle-class family. My mother has always worked; so has my dad. I have a brother 3 years younger and we are close. I was a precocious child and am a precocious adult. I'm terribly close to all my family members, with the exception of one total jerk. I live on my own now, alone, and it is tough often. Why am I personally anti-child?

- I'd have to share my toys.

- My loss of freedom. Which means, I don't even want marriage or a permanent relationship now...why would I want a child?

- It's expensive.

- I don't want to be somebody's mom.

- It's a sacrifice of immeasurable proportion.

Okay, let's see. I am often teased because I don't want kids, especially at work, where I am constantly in contact with moms. Men aren't like that. I began to realize I didn't want children in high school. As far as I know, my womb is in good shape. Never had any complaints. People are often crude enough to ask why be sexually active if I never want kids. Stupid question. My religious customs are scarce. Dad teaches Sunday School. I'm into meditation and Eastern-based religions. I don't buy the Lady Madonna thing.

Every person in my family is convinced I'll wake up on my 40th birthday screaming for a child. Doubtful. I don't want children -- why does society say we must reproduce? Especially women. I'm minoring in Women's Studies because I'm interested to know why our society works that way.