This student, athlete and mom is proof girls can handle anything thrown our way

Alexis Hernandez, a student at the University of Iowa, had her inbox slammed with support this week, following a tweet about being a full-time student, athlete and mom.

Her viral tweet read: ‘Statistics said otherwise’

It also included photos of her 20-month-year-old daughter Peyton.

Although she won’t be able to walk because of the Big Ten Conference outdoor track and field championships in University Park, PA, the 22-year-old is set to graduate this Saturday.

We reached out to her to find out how she does it all

Since Tuesday, Alexis’ tweet has inspired hundreds of thousands of people, who have responded with everything from “You’re unbelievable,” to “I’m crying in class right now.”

Most people can’t seem to figure out how she handles it

And others are applauding that she does

But one thing is for sure: She’s an inspiration to women everywhere

Alexis told babe she’s pretty used to people being shocked

“I get a lot of questions from people. They wonder how I’m doing it. Not even just a full time student, but a student athlete and a mom. I get comments like ‘I can’t even handle just the student part.'”

Young women who have children while attending college are 65 percent less likely to complete their degree than women who do not have children during that time, but there aren’t even statistics to account for being an athlete as well.

She told us, “I’m used to it. You make it work. I just want other girls to know they can do it as well.”

She said everyone has been really supportive

“I’ve gotten a lot of support from the coaching staff, my teammates, people on campus, my family — really everyone has been so positive.”

And yes, like many other students, she decorated her grad cap

It reads “Peyton, this one is for you.”

She told us grad school is next

Originally from San Diego, California, she came to Iowa on an athletic scholarship, and although she’ll be returning home following school, this is hardly the end of her academic endeavors: “I’m definitely going to go back to school.”

“I’m a sociology major with an emphasis in crime, as well as a minor in human relations.”

When we asked her about where she’d be headed, she said “Somewhere closer to home, like San Diego State or UC San Diego.”

You can read more about Alexis on her blog, or you can follow her here.

Just remember to congratulate her on her graduation. Oh, and wish her luck at the meet this weekend. Oh, and a happy Mother’s Day.

Graduation photos by Marissa Kelly Photography

@carolinephinney