My name is Harriet Yeboah, a property inspector in Sarnia, Ontario. My experience with my menstrual cycle has been quite intriguing. During my teenage years, I eagerly looked forward to my first menstruation, as it was a topic of discussion among many of my classmates. I wanted to experience it and also feel like I was entering adulthood. One day, while using the restroom, I noticed some blood stains in my underwear, which caught me by surprise. I called out for help, and my mother explained that it was my first menstruation. In that moment, I felt a mix of pride and maturity.
As I embarked on this new phase, I encountered some positive moments as well. The very next day, someone in my neighborhood complimented me, saying that I was beginning to have a nice body shape. While I couldn’t say for certain if this was connected to the start of my menstrual cycle, it brought me joy and a deeper appreciation for this journey.
To all young girls reading this, I want to stress that having your period is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s a natural and beautiful aspect of life. Practicing good menstrual hygiene is crucial, such as taking regular baths and changing pads frequently. Embrace and accept this process, as it is indeed a graceful and essential part of girlhood and womanhood.
Contributor: Harriet Yeboah