Michigan mom receives diploma from Ferris State University with her 10-day-old baby tucked in her gown

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — A Traverse City mom recently received her diploma from Ferris State University along with her 10-day-old baby tucked in her graduation gown.

24-year-old Grace Szymchack had planned to graduate on Friday, Dec. 15 and have a C-section to deliver her baby on Monday, December 18, but those plans changed quickly when Annabelle arrived early on December 6.

Even though Annabelle arrived early, Szymchack had no intentions for that to keep her off the stage during commencement.

"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,” she said.

Credit: Ferris State/Andrew Schmidt

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

For the past six years, Szymchack has balanced classes, parenting and work with her husband, Caleb, to attain her degree. She said she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She's been teaching full-time at a Strong Beginnings program where she works with preschoolers.

“I love working with the littles the best … I feel like I can really make an impact there,” she said.

Credit: Grace Szymchack

Szymchack's family supported her during her graduation.

Now she is home with her 18-month-old and her newborn.

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

More than 400 students received their diplomas at the commencement ceremony. 

Source: WZZM 13