Being a mother is one of the biggest and most demanding responsibilities we can have. If we also add to this by studying a university degree, they become a great challenge every day. But when the goal is reached, we know it was worth all those sleepless nights.
That's exactly how it feels a single mother, who recently finished her university studies at Harvard and dedicated beautiful words to her one-year-old baby.
Brianna Williams is the mother of a one-year-old girl named Evelyn, who came into the world at a decisive time for her mother's university life and professional career: the day of her final exam at Harvard Law School.
While in labor, Brianna asked to have her epidural in order to present her last exam in family law. Now, a year later, both celebrate Brianna's graduation dressed in cap and gown, as we can see in the beautiful photographs that the mother has published on her Instagram account.
But certainly in addition to the beautiful images where we can see the joy that mother and daughter share, the beautiful story and words Brianna dedicates to Evelyn show us the challenges she had to go through to achieve today his doctoral degree in jurisprudence.
I went into labor in April- during final exam period. I immediately requested an epidural so that my contractions wouldnt interfere with my Family Law grade. And, with tears in my eyes, I finished it. This biting the bullet experience is quite quintessential of my time at Harvard. To say that my last year of law school, with a newborn, and as a single mom was a challenge would be an understatement. Some days I was so mentally and emotionally fatigued that I did not leave my bed. I struggled with reliable childcare. It was not atypical to see me rushing through Wasserstein to the Dean of Students office with Evelyn in her carriage, asking DOS can they keep her for a few until class was over. If not, shed just have to come with me to class. Evie attended classes often. So Im going to be honest with you guys… I didnt think I could do it. I did not think that, at 24 years old, as a single mom, I would be able to get through one of the most intellectually rigorous and challenging positions of my life. It was hard. It hurt. Instagram can make peoples lives seem seamless, but this journey has been heartwrenching. However, I am happy to say that I DID do it. Today, Evelyn in my arms, with tears streaming down my face, I accepted my Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. At first, I was the anomaly of my marginalized community. Then, as a single mother, I became a statistic. Next, I pray that- for the sake of my baby, I will be an example. Evelyn- they said that because of you I wouldnt be able to do this. Just know that I did this BECAUSE OF YOU. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to be invincible. Lets keep beating all their odds, baby.
"I went into labor in April, during my final exam period. I immediately asked for an epidural so that my contractions did not interfere with my evaluation in family law. And with tears in my eyes, I finished it"begins Brianna.
"To say that my last year in law school, with a newborn and as a single mom, was a challenge, would be to underestimate it. Some days I was so mentally and emotionally fatigued that I couldn't leave my bed. I struggled a lot to have a trusted babysitter. It was not uncommon to see me run to the dean's office with Evelyn in her stroller, asking to be taken care of for a few minutes while I finished my class. If not, she simply went to class with me. Evie attended classes frequently", the mother continues, sharing a situation we have seen on previous occasions with other mothers who are studying.
Finally, Brianna comments that even she didn't even think she could do it and that she feels very happy to have done it. But undoubtedly the most powerful and emotional message in his entire history, are the words that he specifically addresses to his daughter:
Evelyn, they said that for you I would not be able to achieve this. I just want you to know that I did this FOR YOU. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to be invincible. Let's keep beating the odds, baby.
Brianna's emotional publication has obtained more than 20,000 likes and shows us the struggle, effort and dedication that many women who are studying in a university while taking care of and educate their children at the same time.
