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.
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Gordon’s success is more than a feel-good moment—it’s a milestone that speaks to something far greater. The California bar exam is one of the most difficult in the country, and passing it on the first try is an extraordinary accomplishment.
In a profession where Black women represent just 2% of the legal workforce 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 one commenter 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.”
