A nursing graduate who juggled military service, two jobs, and a high-risk pregnancy carried her baby on stage at graduation to cheers from the crowd.
Jada Hargrove, 23, graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing on May 9, accompanied by her four-month-old son, Elias.
The moment marked the end of an emotional journey for Jada, which meant later nights, planning her studies around a new arrival, and even taking her son to class on rare occasions.
Jada joined the nursing school in January 2021, shortly after completing her training for the Virginia Army National Guard.
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Everything was falling into place, Jada said, until she discovered she was pregnant in the spring of her junior year.
With 60 clinical hours left to complete for the semester, Jada persisted, despite feeling sick and physically drained, and finished her junior year.
Then, going into her senior year, Jada discovered her pregnancy had become high risk, as she had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Jada planned her induced birth for after her final exams, and having aced the questions, her true final exam, she said, was to deliver Elias.
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For the final months of nursing school, Jada’s life was filled with sleepless nights, 12-hour clinical shifts, and a support network that included Elias’ father and Jada’s grandmother.
During her studies, Jada had also worked two jobs and served in the military on weekends.
And so, when it came time for her to graduate, she knew Elias needed to be there with her, given he had been the beacon of his mother’s journey.
As she crossed the graduation stage with her son, Jada received a huge applause from those in attendance – a moment her sister, Kimberly, captured on video.
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Jada said: “I carried my son across the stage because he has been with me every step of the way through the exhausting clinical hours, late-night study sessions, and challenging exams.
“My pregnancy was high-risk and there was a chance he would not be here with me if it wasn’t for the quick actions of the doctors and nurses.
“Carrying him with me symbolizes the strength, resilience, and purpose that got me through it all.
“He is not only my son, but he is my inspiration and the reason I kept going.
“The message I hope others take from this video is to never give up.
“Despite the negativity, becoming a mother does not mean your life is over.
“It is just the beginning of something glorious.
“You can conquer anything in this world with God by your side.
“You may not always see them, but someone is watching, and they are inspired by your strength, moved by your resilience, and hoping you never give up.”
