Photo Shows Focused Mom-To-Be Finishing College Exam While In Active Labor

Delivering a baby is no easy feat, which is why this photo of a mom laboring while taking a college psychology exam is going crazy viral.

Tommitrise Collins went into labor last Thursday, which also happened to be the only day she could complete an online exam for her Middle Georgia State University psychology class. Rather than putting the test off or asking for extra time, she decided to just go ahead and do the damn thing. She tells Fox Atlanta her plan was just to “handle as much pain for as long as possible so I wouldn’t have to do it later and could enjoy my newborn.”

Collins’ sister, Shanell Chapman, uploaded a photo of her to Facebook to show off the new mom’s amazing dedication. For the caption, she wrote, “This is what you call ‘Strong Priorities.’ Contractions 3 minutes apart and still takes her Psychology Test! You are going to be a great Mom baby sis!”

Contractions three minutes apart and she still had enough focus to take a test. Can you even handle that? I’m pretty sure when my contractions were three minutes apart I was gnawing on a pillow, swearing at my husband, and praying for drugs.

Since the photo was posted, it’s been shared over 14,000 times by people who think Collins is as much of a badass as we do. In the end, she left the hospital with a B on her exam and a beautiful seven pound, ten ounce baby girl named Tyler Elise.

When asked how she felt about becoming a mom and how she mustered all of that determination, Collins gave Fox Atlanta this moving response:

“She is my life now, and the way I look at it is, she will always have me to depend on so my goals will not be put on hold. I don’t want to just barely make it by, I want my child to live comfortably, and I want to show people that just because I am considered a young mother doesn’t mean I have to be considered a bad mother.”

It’s easy to get caught up in your new role as a mom and put all of your focus on your kids, but Collins’ story is a great reminder that the best thing we can do for our babies is let them see us accomplishing our goals. Being a strong role model for our kids is just as important as being their mom, and it’s important for them see us living our best lives.

Most of us probably won’t end up taking a test in the delivery room, but man, what an awesome display of strength and dedication. Collins is clearly going places, and she’s already an amazing mom. Congratulations and best wishes to this new little family!