However, a lot of things got in the way, she almost gave up on reaching her goals.

“I really didn’t have any stable guidance at that time. My mom was addicted to drugs. My dad was deceased. And I was homeless,” Champs told CBS News. “I lived with friends or whoever would take me in. Then I got pregnant with the first of my five children, and things just went from there.”

Champs commissioned a set of photos to commemorate the achievement. “I took the pictures with my kids because they helped me through school. They’re graduating too!” she said.

In the photos, she was holding a chalkboard with the words, “I did it!” written on it. Her children stand behind her holding chalkboards saying: “We did it!” “I helped too!” “Me too!”

The photo immediately caught the attention of netizens and already garnered thousands of likes and comments on social media.

“When I look at the pictures, I cry, I smile, and I’m very grateful,” Champs said. “I see a woman who at one time knew that the odds were against her. Looking at that picture reminds me of the fact that I didn’t just defy the odds, me and my children destroyed them.”

This article was originally published by BlackNews.com

Champs’ story has resonated with people across the country. She has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News.

“Ms. Champs is an inspiration to all who are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life,” County Attorney Vince Ryan said. “We are fortunate that her path has brought her to our Office where she can continue to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by Children’s Protectives Services in Harris County.”

“It is truly an honor to work among such amazing attorneys and to be a part of the Harris County Attorney’s Office,” Champs said.The Children’s Protection Practice Group represents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in actions involving abused and neglected children in Harris County.