A cap and crib: Mom graduates with newborn snuggled in gown, netizens showers praises

In a touching testament to her determination and resilience, Grace Szymchack, a mother from Traverse City, Michigan, defied the odds by attending her college graduation ceremony with a unique companion hidden in her graduation gown – her newborn baby, Annabelle.

Originally scheduled to graduate from Ferris State University on December 15 and undergo a planned C-section the following Monday, Grace faced an unexpected turn of events when baby Annabelle arrived ahead of schedule on December 6, as reported by NBC Chicago.

Undeterred by this unexpected twist, Szymchack remained steadfast in her commitment to walking across the stage during the commencement ceremony.
The Instagram post shared on @todayshow garnered a plethora of praise, compliments, and blessings.

“I’d worked hard for this degree, and I was determined to walk with the rest of my class…so I just brought her to graduation with me,” shared Szymchack, who proudly obtained a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with 10-day-old Annabelle snugly tucked in her gown.

Expressing her desire to inspire other mothers to pursue education, Szymchack emphasized, “I kind of hope it inspires another mom to go back to school and show that she can do it too.”
She adeptly managed the delicate balance of classes, parenting, and work alongside her husband, Caleb, over the past six years to achieve her educational milestone.

Currently engaged in a Strong Beginnings program, Szymchack passionately works with preschoolers, stating, “I love working with the littles the best. I feel like I can really make an impact there.”
One user commented, “Congratulations on the degree and the baby! Women can do it all!!”