If you are a frequent reader of The Daily Iowan, then I am sure you have heard of Callie Michell. A couple of months ago, Michell released a huge story, My Baby, Not My Child, covering her life as a pregnant college student and the struggles she went through. In the end of her pregnancy, Michell decided to give her baby up for adoption.
“It’s hard knowing life would be different if I had kept him, however, I think my life is pretty awesome even though he isn’t around all of the time,” said Michell regarding Leo, the son she gave up for adoption.
Michell isn’t a campus celebrity because of her adoption story, but because of how she has handled her life post pregnancy. Although it was hard, Michell got back into the swing of things and got her life back on track. She remains positive and hopeful for her future.
“I kept my life busy after Leo was gone. I threw myself into my work and didn’t leave time to think about him not being here,” said Michell regarding her life post pregnancy.
Soon after The Daily Iowan released her story, Michell was swarmed with requests for interviews and emails. At first, it was very overwhelming for her. She went on Headline News, Brian William’s Rock Center and was even invited to be on Dr. Phil’s show, but declined the invitation. Michell’s story swept across famous sites such as the Huffington Post and Buzzfeed and it has also been translated into two languages.
“It’s awesome to know our story has touched so many lives,” Michell said regarding all of the press.
Not every comment was a positive or curious one, though. “I did get negative feedback…people can be closed minded and not everyone is going to agree with my decision. I know I did what was right and I don’t let what other people think bother me. What matters is Leo.”
Adoption isn’t an easy thing to do. Michell wants girls who are considering this path to know that it isn’t something to be ashamed of. It takes a lot of courage to be able to admit that you are not able to provide for your baby everything that they deserve. “Know that with adoption comes a lot of hope and a lot of love,” said Michell. “It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but in the end it was the right one for me to make. No decision is better or worse than the other.”
Michell has had tremendous support from the adoptive family that she chose. The three of them keep in very close contact, sending either pictures or texts of not only Leo growing up, but how Callie’s life is growing, too. “I still get to be close to them and watch Leo grow which makes it easier to stay focused on my own life.”
Since Leo’s adoption, Callie has found more than one new love in her life. She has recently married her best friend and couldn’t be happier. “He makes my life better and makes me happier.” With the support of her new husband, Michell continues to pursue her passion, photography.
Currently enrolled in the journalism program at the university, Michell is constantly working on new projects both for herself and The Daily Iowan. Her pictures are often featured in the daily paper. This passion of hers as truly helped her along the tough road she has taken. Michell hopes to someday become a war photographer.