Jada Sayles, a New Orleans, Louisiana student, received her degree from Dillard University with a surprise graduation ceremony held inside her hospital ward just hours after giving birth to her baby boy.
Jada Sayles had been anticipating her graduation from Dillard University, an HBCU. When the big day arrived, she went into labor and was admitted to the hospital just hours before the ceremony.
Sayles welcomed her newborn son on that day.
“I thought I was gonna walk across the stage to get my degree, instead I got my baby,” Jada Sayles wrote on Twitter, alongside photos of herself and her child.“My sweet face decided to make his way on MY big day (now his).”
Read more: Haley Taylor Schlitz: The Youngest Black Student To Graduate From Law School In The United States
When the school learned that Sayles would be unable to attend her ceremony, they stepped up to surprise her with a graduation ceremony.
“Jada went into labor on Friday evening. Texted me around 4:30 am Saturday saying she was being admitted, & the baby was born on her graduation day,” Dillard University President Walter M. Kimbrough wrote on Twitter. “So we rolled up to the hospital so I could finish my tenure in the most special way.”
Sayles can be seen wearing her graduation cap and gown while receiving her degree at the hospital in a video shared alongside Kimbrough’s post. In the background, her family members can be heard cheering her on.
“Shoutout to my university for still bringing my graduation and degree to me. Ima college graduate & mommy, talk to me nice!” Sayles said.
Jada Sayles received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections.
