She Truly Earned This Moment of Joy!

A California mother of four has gone viral for all the right reasons — after finally passing the state bar exam she had been working toward for nearly a decade. Her story of grit, faith, and perseverance has now inspired thousands across the internet.

Evelyn Uba’s journey is one of extraordinary determination. The Nigerian-born mom first arrived in the United States in 1983, at just 18 years old, carrying a dream of becoming a lawyer and building a better life. But like many immigrants, her path was anything but smooth. She began her college education soon after arriving, but when her father suffered a devastating stroke, she was forced to pause her studies and shoulder financial responsibilities for her family (Good Morning America).

After marrying and starting a family, Uba’s dreams were temporarily set aside. Yet, she never forgot the promise she made to her late father — to one day become a lawyer and make him proud. In 2005, she returned to school at California Southern Law School, graduating in 2011. What followed was a grueling, decade-long battle with the California bar exam — widely known as one of the toughest in the nation.

According to the Los Angeles Times, fewer than 50% of test-takers typically pass the exam on their first attempt, a statistic that underscores Uba’s resilience and unrelenting commitment. Over the next ten years, she took the bar at least ten times, refusing to give up despite the repeated setbacks. “I stopped counting after a while,” she admitted. “But giving up certainly wasn’t in my dictionary” (Good Morning America).

Uba, who works full-time as a welfare professional, studied whenever she could — during lunch breaks, after her children went to bed, and on weekends. Her dedication often meant missing family gatherings and personal moments, sacrifices that she says were both painful and motivating.

“My daughter, Naeche, once told me, ‘Mom, if you give up now, you can’t get your time back. Then what would you have gained out of all the missed time you could’ve spent with us?’ That always stuck with me,” Uba shared. “I knew the only time I’d give up is when I’m dead.”

In October, she sat for the bar exam once again — and this time, her persistence paid off. On January 8th, she received her long-awaited results. At first, she opened the email with the calm of someone used to disappointment. But when she realized she had finally passed, years of tension broke loose in a joyous explosion. She leaped up, shouting and dancing while her family — both in person and over FaceTime — erupted in cheers.

In a now-viral clip posted to Twitter by her daughter, Naeche Vincent, Uba can be seen crying and embracing her loved ones before lovingly kissing a framed photo of her late father. The video has since been viewed over 400,000 times, capturing hearts worldwide (ABC News).

“My mom finished law school in 2011 and has been studying for the California BAR exam while raising 4 kids & working full time for the past 10 years. Today? SHE PASSED THE BAR!!!!! THAT’S ESQUIRE NOW!” — @srrytothisman (Twitter, Jan. 9, 2021)

Naeche said the entire family felt an enormous sense of relief. “It was surreal,” she said. “I finally feel like my mom can live out her dream and do whatever she wants with this license” (Good Morning America).

Now, Uba plans to use her law degree to serve the community — working as a criminal defense attorney and providing legal support to low-income residents and marginalized groups across California. “I want to help people who can’t afford good representation,” she explained. “Eventually, it’s going to happen when God says it’ll happen. It might not be easy, but you just have to keep going and never feel sorry for yourself.”

Her story has since been highlighted by several major outlets, including People Magazine, Good Morning America, and ABC News, all of which have praised her perseverance as a beacon of hope for anyone chasing a long-delayed dream.

After ten years, countless attempts, and immeasurable sacrifices, Evelyn Uba’s name now carries the title she’s worked so long to earn — Esquire.

Congratulations, Attorney Uba — your story proves that faith and perseverance can indeed move mountains.