3-year-old presents mom with Master's hood at her graduation in a heartwarming moment

Most parents prioritize being a part of their children's milestones, especially when it comes to school and college graduations. However, not all kids are fortunate enough to see their parents graduate. Even if they can, not many kids get to be the ones to present them with a Master's graduation hood. Late this May, Natasha S. Alford, an author and a mom of a three-year-old was lucky enough to receive her Master's hood from her son during her graduation. This heartwarming moment caught on camera was shared by the mom on TikTok and it received immense love and respect.

As the video begins, we can see the mom walking onto the stage with her little son, Julian, as the announcer says, "Natasha Sonia Alford, who also earned a U P. Certificate." Alford who was carrying her hood while entering the stage, offered it to the Dean so that they could present it to her ceremoniously. But the Dean had a different idea. They asked Julian if he wanted to hood his mom and the boy gladly nodded. At first, the little one shyly fumbled with the hood in his hands but then the Dean helped him by lifting him up and guiding him to present his mom with the hood. 

While the mom wondered how her 3-year-old was going to pull this off, the Dean's guidance turned it into a wholesome moment. With tears of joy and pride, the mom was elated and thanked Dean Jamal for letting her son hood her. Alford graduated with a Master of Public Policy from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and little Julian was a part of her educational journey. "Doing graduate school as a mother to a young child was a different kind of experience. When I was not studying, I was running back to him to play trucks and build towers with blocks," the mom mentioned in the caption. 

"His father had to constantly push me to get on to class and not worry because all would be fine and he was right. This was truly the best year for our family. Julian loved Princeton, made many new tiger cub friends and now has SPIA aunties and uncles around the world," she wrote. It was Dean Jamal's idea to let parents who are graduating bring their children on stage and this aspect impressed many viewers. "It’s a moment I will never forget and a moment I pray he looks to whenever he needs it. This is for you my dear son— you can achieve whatever has been placed in your heart and mind because greatness is already within you!" Alford added. 

As much as this moment touched many hearts, people also lauded the Dean's thoughtful tradition of making children witness their parents' milestones. "The Dean getting him involved, the pride on his face when he is looking at you in your hood, there’s so much to love here! What a moment to treasure! Congratulations on all your hard work!" praised @shockleyandaww. "You can tell she’s a momma too and knows what this moment means," chimed in @melissa.the.1st. "That baby knows how hard his mom worked for that. Glad he was able to participate like this," said @lorajayi.

You can follow Natasha S. Alford (@natashasalford) on TikTok for news content.