This Mother's Day is set to shine brighter for one exceptional woman who has gone above and beyond. Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez, with her little boy Enzo by her side, is making headlines for defending her doctoral dissertation on the same day she gave birth.
On March 25, this remarkable Rutgers University student not only welcomed her son but also carried on with her academic responsibilities. "Although it's been a whirlwind, baby Enzo and I are doing very well," she told People magazine, describing the joy her son has brought to their family.
Initially, Tamiah felt unwell the night before her dissertation defense. But when her water broke early the next morning, she realized she was about to deliver her baby.
She recalled, "My wife is trying to keep me calm, and telling me maybe we have time, because now I'm physically shaking.” Knowing there was no time, she quickly grasped the reality—active labor was setting in.
What happened next was both surprising and dramatic. Tamiah, who is already the mother of a four-year-old daughter, ended up giving birth to Enzo right there on the way to the hospital.
Her wife was speeding down the road, quickly hitting 120 miles per hour to rush to the hospital. "Before I knew it, I pushed three times and he was finally in my arms," she shared with reporters.
Just hours after giving birth, this incredible mother was ready to face her dissertation committee from the hospital. "I told my wife, go get me some clothes, my laptop, and bring the charger," Tamiah recollected, showcasing her determination.
Now, on May 12, she plans to celebrate not only her well-deserved graduation but also Mother's Day—a double celebration for this inspiring woman. "I am excited to officially graduate on Mother's Day and even more excited to see what the future holds professionally," she expressed.
Despite the chaotic events of her delivery and defense, Tamiah is savoring every moment as she embraces early motherhood. She looks forward to spending her remaining maternity leave surrounded by her beautiful family.
Her story resonates with many, embodying the essence of resilience and love. For those who are mothers, or those who celebrate mothers, her whirlwind experience serves as proof of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.
From her incredible day merging academic triumph with the joys of new motherhood, Tamiah reminds us all of the apples of our eye. Here's to her—and every mother out there, nurturing dreams, ambitions, and families all at once!
