Student Has Unique Graduation Ceremony In Hospital After Giving Birth

Jada Sayles has been waiting for four years to walk across the stage for graduation day at Dillard University, in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, a life-changing event unexpectedly occurred on that day.

“I thought I was gonna walk across the stage to get my degree, instead, I got a baby. My sweet face decided to make his way on my big day (now his),” Sayles posted on Twitter, with several special pictures.

On May 15, at 4:30 a.m., hours before Sayles was set to attend her commencement exercises, she was admitted into the hospital.

“The contractions were getting stronger and stronger. It happened so fast. I didn’t even realize I was missing graduation because it was such fast labor,” Sayles stated to reporters.

Sayles got in touch with Dillard’s president, Dr. Walter Kimbrough, and informed him that she wouldn’t be at graduation. After deciding that this was an unique occasion, Kimbrough decided to bring the festivities to Sayles at the hospital.

Sayles got dressed in her cap and gown and accepted her degree during the mini ceremony at the hospital. Throughout her pregnancy, she kept a 4.0 grade point average.

As the new mom was named an official graduate of the HBCU, he relatives could be overheard, in the hospital room, cheering for her. Her new baby was a VIP guest at the ceremony.

Sayles earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a special emphasis on pre-law.

“You can do it with a kid.. without a kid…not pregnant. You can do it,” Sayles exclaimed.

She added that now that she has graduated, she will attend law school.