Single mom passes bar exam after years of sacrifice—and her kids’ tears say it all

When single mom Rhiannah Gordon learned she passed the California bar exam on her very first try, her raw, emotional reaction didn’t just resonate—it became a viral sensation.

In a TikTok video that has captured over 24 million views since it was posted on November 9, Gordon refreshes the results page, her son Flinn, 12, leaning in close with his sweatshirt pulled over his mouth, while her daughter Rhiley, 10, watches from beside them, nervously anticipating the outcome. “Stressin’ me out,” she joked in the video about Rhiley’s tears before the results even loaded.

As soon as “pass” appeared on the screen, it was pure, unfiltered joy. Gordon cried out, “We did it!!” while her kids, who’ve been by her side through every late-night study session and sacrifice, broke into happy tears of their own. The video is a beautiful window into a family who, together, has tackled years of challenges, dreams, and relentless hard work to make this moment happen.

@yougonloverhi I PASSED!!!! #barexam #barexam2024 #attorney #blackattorney #singlemom #singlemomlife #singlemomsoftiktok #lawyer #blacklawyer #blacklawyers #blacklawyersoftiktok #joy #blackgirlmagic #blackmoms #blackmomsoftiktok #lawyerbae #shedidit #ididit #tearsofjoy #happytears #cabar #cabarexam #california ♬ original sound – Ya BabyDaddy Favorite Attorney

Gordon’s success is more than a feel-good moment—it’s a milestone that speaks to something far greater. In a profession where Black women made up just 3.04% of associates (and less than 1% of partners in U.S. law firms), and single mothers face unique barriers in higher education, Gordon’s achievement is a reflection of unwavering grit, sacrifice, and determination.

As a single mother balancing the demands of raising two children while pursuing a law degree, her journey offers hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Today, she’s applying that resilience in criminal law in Sacramento.

In an interview with Good Morning America, she stressed that this victory wasn’t hers alone—it was a family effort. “I worked relentlessly over the last four years…while also cooking dinner, going to practices, making sure my kids were brushing their teeth every night. And all the time we spent and the sacrifices we made as a family paid off.”

Her kids weren’t just spectators—they were part of the grind. They’re not just proud—they’re inspired. They’ve seen firsthand the dedication it takes to pursue and achieve big dreams, and that lesson will stay with them for the rest of their lives. This shared family success story is one worth celebrating.

As commenter @sun_flower0923 wrote, “The fact that they’re crying with you…you’ve won. Those kids are proud of you and love you. Congrats on the bar, and congrats on raising good humans.”

Sources:

1. Female and minority lawyer representation in firms. 2021. ABA Journal. Female and minority lawyer representation in firms reaches historic highs, but gains are small, new report says.
2. Mom shares her emotional reaction to passing the bar exam. 2024. abc News. Mom shares emotional reaction to learning she passed bar exam on 1st try.