CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- It is one of those life moments that changes everything.
Home video shows Shamyra Woods-Elliot of Chester, Delaware County learning that she is the recipient of a Gates Millennium Scholarship, one of only 1,000 given out every year through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Shamyra's mom Sabrina Woods says it's something she has been working toward since her sophomore year at STEM Academy.
"I'm a very focused and determined person and when I set a goal, I plan on achieving it," Shamyra said.
"I am excited and I don't want to cry. I'm emotional because she's my baby and I'm so proud of her," Sabrina said.
Of course, officials from the Chester-Upland School District are pretty proud as well, especially Superintendent Gregory Shannon.
Shamyra is now the fourth Chester-Upland student to be awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship since Shannon took over the embattled school district back in 2012.
He says Shamyra represents what Chester-Upland is becoming.
"She has been a model student academically, but more importantly, she's been a model student as a person, as a role model, and a mentor to other students as well," Shannon said.
But this determined 18-year-old says there is no way she could've come this far without the loving support of her parents who taught her how to turn every barrier in life into a stepping stone to reach the next level.
A message she hopes to convey to other young people with dreams.
"I've been through so many different situations but you couldn't tell because I have so much confidence and I would like them to exude confidence themselves and just know anything is possible," Shamyra said.
So what is next for Samira?
Well, this fall she begins her freshman year at Xavier University in Louisiana.
Then, the plan is to go on to medical school to fulfill her dream of becoming a physician.
All expenses paid.