An aspirational mom from Texas is making waves on the internet after sharing her college application on social media.
Madeleine Lambert, 21, posted her submission to the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth on a TikTok slideshow, beginning with the pivotal moment in eighth grade when she declared she wanted to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Lambert admitted that she didn't fully understand the profession at the time, but knew the title carried weight and that she enjoyed biology class. Her aspirations were firmly rooted in a desire to defy expectations and prove the naysayers wrong.
"I was doubted a lot by my peers—specifically when I got pregnant. I had so many people tell me I was throwing my life away by keeping my daughter," Lambert told Newsweek. Despite people knowing her story, they made assumptions, only fueling the young teen even more to defy the odds.
"I wanted to show that I am more than that statistic. I want my peers who gossiped about my 'failure' to eat their words," she added.
Lambert's journey to motherhood started when she was 13. She had just broken up with her first "real" boyfriend before she found out that she was pregnant and had started online classes after being expelled from school.
The mom of two recalled telling her best friend that her period was late, but pushed it to the back of her mind. It wasn't until Lambert was so sick in bed that her mom took her to the doctor where the nurse ran a pregnancy test.
Becoming a mother at 14 was the "one most natural things," Lambert told Newsweek.
"Yes, it was hard, but becoming a mother at any age has its own unique set of challenges. People either looked at me like I was crazy or a charity case when I went in public. I am a great mom; I can confidently say that. It feels like my life's calling to be a mother and pour love into my children," she said.
After earning her associate's degree at Tarrant County College, Lambert participated in a summer health sciences program at UNTHSC. "I met so many enthusiastic professors and healthcare professionals. They all listened to my questions and taught me so much.
"Each one of them gave a presentation on how they came to their profession and what they faced getting there. I knew as soon as I walked in the doors that it was where I wanted to continue my education," she said.
Lambert took her daughter with her to receive her certificate once the program was completed and told Newsweek that she wasn't met with looks of judgment, but rather words of encouragement.
"That was huge for me. I went into the program thinking I was going to apply to an ultrasonography program, but I left knowing I wanted to go to medical school," she added.
Lambert's TikTok slideshow has gone completely viral on the platform, amassing seven million views. Over 2,000 TikTok users commented on the essay, some of whom called it "beautiful." It also served as inspiration for other young teenage parents. "This gave me hope," one user commented.
Now, Lambert has her sights set on UNTHSC to complete her bachelor's degree, with hopes of attending the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM).
"I'm not too sure what specialty I am going for, but pathology has really sparked my interest. Wherever I end up, I know I will make a difference. I am so passionate about medicine and its advancements. I am very excited about my future in medicine, wherever that may be," she said.
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