Mother Graduates With Her 10-Day-Old Infant Tucked In Graduation Gown

• Grace Szymchack hoped to give birth on December 18 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
• However, the 24-year-old woman's plans changed when the baby came before graduation, and she had to carry her to the event
• "I kind of hope it inspires another mum to go back to school and show that she can do it too," she said

Grace Szymchack, a 24-year-old woman who graduated from Ferris State University, made headlines after exuding the strength of a woman during her graduation.

The new mother was set to receive her diploma just 10 days after she gave birth to her daughter, Annabelle.

Baby came earlier than due date

ABC 10 reports that Grace was initially scheduled for a Caesarian section on December 18, way after graduation.

However, that changed when the little one came earlier than planned on December 6, meaning she had the baby before graduating.

Undeterred, the determined mother was resolute about not letting the unforeseen change keep her from the graduation stage.

"I'd worked hard for this degree, and I was determined to walk with the rest of my class, so I brought her to graduation with me,” she said.

Grace seeks to inspire others

With 10-day-old Annabelle tucked snugly inside her graduation gown, Grace proudly received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

The young mother hoped her story would inspire other mothers to pursue their educational dreams.

"I kind of hope it inspires another mom to go back to school and show that she can do it too," she noted.

Grace's educational journey was no easy feat as she skillfully balanced classes, parenting, and working alongside her husband, Caleb, to achieve her degree.

Hopes baby will graduate, too

Driven by a passion for teaching that she harboured since a young age, she is now putting her skills to use as a full-time educator.

Currently at home with an 18-month-old and her newborn, Grace envisions a future where Annabelle, too, will walk across a graduation stage of her own someday.

"I hope to see her walk across the stage one day too, whichever college or university she chooses, without me having to carry her," she concluded.

The graduation ceremony saw more than 400 students receiving their diplomas, marking the culmination of their academic journeys.

Ruth K graduated

Back home, comedienne Ruth K was over the moon after graduating from the University of Eldoret.

Ruth, who also doubles up as comedian Mulamwa's wife, graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Home Science and Technology.

The new milestone came shortly after she announced that she held her traditional wedding and announced her pregnancy.