Abby Bailiff is a 28-year-old girl who had two amazing achievements in one day. She gave birth to her baby boy, Bodie, and she earned her nursing doctorate degree. Abby’s story is a remarkable example of how courage can make anything possible.
Abby was expecting to have her baby on April 27, but he didn’t arrive on time. She was also looking forward to her graduation ceremony on May 4, but she was nervous that she might miss it. She said, “Every day for the past 40 weeks, I was like, ‘Oh gosh. This is getting closer and closer.’”
Abby had to go for induction on May 2 because the doctors were worried about Bodie’s lungs. She didn’t know that her plans were about to change. She said, “It was not the original plan to be that close to graduation, but Bodie had other plans.” She was surprised and happy when she had her baby.
Abby had a tough decision to make. She wanted to go to her graduation ceremony, but she also wanted to stay with her baby. She said, “I was still debating whether I was going [to graduation] or not because I didn’t want to be, like, a bad mom and just up and leave him right when I got home.” But then she realized that this was a special moment that she couldn’t miss. Her sister and mom supported her and told her to go.
She got ready and went to her graduation ceremony. It was less than two hours after she had her baby. It was an incredible feeling, like the universe was on her side. She had her baby and her degree on the same day.
Abby walked across the stage with confidence, while her husband and baby watched her online. She wished they were there with her, but she still enjoyed her day.
“Once I got there and walked in, I was like, I’m so glad I came. It was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I can’t even describe the feeling I felt. I was just overjoyed,” she said.
She put in immense effort to earn her degree. Balancing studying, a full-time job, and night shifts was no easy feat, but she persevered, driven by her love for her baby. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed, “I pushed myself to the limit to achieve my dreams, all for Bodie.”
Abby’s dedication to her studies was recognized by her university. The dean of her school said: “The commencement ceremony represents the start of a new role or career. The fact that Dr. Abby Bailiff felt so compelled to attend her ceremony after years of study for her DNP degree represents her resilience, perseverance, passion, and dedication to her school, classmates, and family,” Barksdale said.
“Graduation is a joyous time and a highlight of the academic journey. We are so proud of all our students, but especially those who defy the odds to achieve their dreams.”