This Mother’s Day holds extra significance for Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez from New Jersey. Not only is it her first as a mother herself, but it coincides with her graduation ceremony, marking the completion of her Ph.D. journey.
Just six weeks ago, Brevard-Rodriguez welcomed her son, Enzo, into the world, a month earlier than expected. Remarkably, his arrival coincided with the day she was scheduled to defend her dissertation.
Reflecting on the intense experience, Brevard-Rodriguez expressed her emotional turmoil. Despite being physically prepared for pregnancy, mentally, she was focused on her impending dissertation defense. The unexpected onset of labor brought about a whirlwind of emotions.
Brevard-Rodriguez had meticulously planned her defense on the topic of examining the challenges faced by Black college women on historically white campuses, aptly named “Operation Dissertation Before Baby.” However, her plans were abruptly disrupted when her water broke in the early hours of March 25.
With contractions intensifying, Brevard-Rodriguez and her wife, Alyza, rushed to the hospital. Alyza vividly recalls the urgency of the situation, describing how they raced through red lights at breakneck speeds.
In an astonishing turn of events, Brevard-Rodriguez delivered Enzo in the car with just three pushes. Despite the unexpected circumstances, both mother and baby were in good health when they arrived at the hospital.
Remarkably, Brevard-Rodriguez managed to deliver her dissertation defense approximately seven hours after giving birth. She credits her preparation and support system for her success, emphasizing the importance of a brief rest and regrouping before the presentation.
The news of Enzo’s birth remained a secret until after Brevard-Rodriguez had successfully defended her dissertation, adding an extra layer of astonishment to her remarkable feat.
In a testament to her resilience and determination, Brevard-Rodriguez achieved both motherhood and academic success in one extraordinary day, creating a truly special Mother’s Day story.
