Graduation season is in full swing, and for most students that means a new chapter is on the horizon. Families gather to celebrate their graduate, everyone asks where so-and-so is headed in the fall, and for many, it’s the marking of a major accomplishment and adulthood.
For some, graduation seems inevitable. But for others, the ceremonious event truly marks an incredible journey—one that celebrates much more than a piece of paper, cap and gown.
That’s the case for Madeleine Tarin, a high school graduate from Eastvale, California.
The 19-year-old shared two photos on Twitter with the caption: “Yeah, that’s right. We made it TOGETHER.”
She later shared the story behind the two pictures with Love What Matters:
“My mom was 15 while pregnant with me, she had me at 16. My dad was 17. The original picture is from June, 2000. My parents were judged a lot during this time but stayed strong together. They both lived with their parents but were raising me together. They were determined to make it and provide me with a future.
Twitter
My dad worked full time in construction and my mom was still playing soccer. Today, they have a strong, loving marriage. They purchased a beautiful home. My mom is a stay at home mom and my dad has a great career as a longshoreman. I have two little sisters that are following in my footsteps
The original photo has always been an inspiration to me. I wanted to recreate this photo since the beginning of my senior year but especially after I accepted my offer to college. I also wanted it to be a reflection to show them how far we’ve come together as a family.
Twitter
My parents have always been my motivation to be successful in high school and now strive to do well in college. I couldn’t ask for a more loving, supportive family than the one God gave me. Yeah that’s right, we made it TOGETHER.”
Maddy’s heartwarming post has been shared thousands of times. People have flooded the comments with praise, and photos, sharing their own success stories and difficulties of becoming a teen parent.
It’s awesome to see teen parents who are able to break the cycle and set a great example for their kids and the future generations to come
