A teen mum has beaten the odds by graduating first in her class, as well as being awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships for college.
Trameka Pope, from Chicago, and her family had in the past suffered from homelessness, but she never gave up and continued to fight for a better life for her and her daughter, who was born the summer after Pope's 8th grade year.
Pope told Fox News, "I was told that God don't make mistakes and he wouldn't give anyone a child who wasn't ready for one."
Pope is set to graduate first in her class from Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago next week.
Pope said: "I wanted to make change and I wanted to be in the history books, and I started with myself... I didn't give up. I pushed myself hard. And my baby motivated me every day because I wanted to provide for her and I also didn't want to be a statistic." she said.
The valedictorian immerses herself in academia and is a hard worker, she takes college prep courses and is currently taking four classes at Phillips High School in Chicago.
Pope is a fan of extra curricular activities, such as cheerleading at several high school games, and holds a part time job at a local grocery store.
Pope's social worker, Dawn Jackson, spoke of her inspiring character, "Everyone loves her. She's a people person. She has a sweet heart and kind spirit."
Jackson considers Pope to be an extraordinary role model and a great example of how to turn your life around.
"No matter what background you come from, it doesn't matter if you have a child as a teen, no matter what people say about you, you still can, you can make it, and you can become something," Jackson stated.
Pope has received worldwide support and admiration for her inspiring achievements and hard work, and has proved to youngsters everywhere that you can achieve your dreams if you focus and work hard.
In the coming months, Trameka Pope plans to start her higher education at Western Illinois University. Following her college graduation, she hopes to get a PhD in social work.