Single mother-of-five's inspiring graduation photo goes viral

'Me and my mini lawyers!'

A single mother’s inspiring graduation photo of her and her five children has gone viral online.

Ieshia Champs, 33, was pictured wearing her cap and gown holding up an "I did it!" sign while her children held up signs saying "I did it too" and "I helped!".

Champs credits the support of her family for making her further education possible after losing the father of two of her children to cancer in 2009.

That same year, Champs was pregnant with her fourth child and faced a series of unfortunate and tragic losses.

In addition to losing her job, the then 24-year-old also lost her mother, who had suffered from a stroke, leaving Champs to attempt suicide later that year, reports USA Today.

She explained that it was a phone call with one of her church leaders at Ministers for Christ Christian Center, Louise Holman, that convinced her to pursue law, something she’d wanted to do since the age of seven.

Initially, she thought the idea of pursuing a degree was farfetched because of her age and her parental responsibilities, however, after successfully completing her course and graduating in the top 15 per cent of her class, it’s clear she doesn't regret her decision.

Explaining why she wanted to pose alongside her children for her graduation photo, Champs said she simply couldn’t have completed her degree without them and they each played a crucial role in helping her study.

She revealed her kids would often test her on her knowledge and act as a mock jury for legal cases.

They were also very helpful around the house to give Champs enough time to set aside for her studies.

“I would sit in my closet and pray and cry because I was overwhelmed and my oldest son, David, would gather his siblings, give them a snack, make them take a bath, gather their school clothes, all to make things easier for me,” she told CBS News, “And I had no knowledge of him doing that until I went to do it!"

"When I look at the pictures, I cry, I smile, and I'm very grateful," she added.

After posting the photograph of her and her children, which was taken by Bishop Richard Holman, on Facebook, it quickly went viral and has already garnered more than 1,700 shares and 3,600 likes, with commenters sharing congratulatory messages.

“Congratulations!! Very proud of you! God is wonderful, you are an inspiration to me and many others,” wrote one person.

“Continue to be an inspiration to your children and all single mothers!” added another.