High school senior Kelisha Williams’ application to Harvard University began as a joke but as it turns out the teen is headed to the esteemed college on a full ride.

According to WCPO, Williams — an Ohio native who grew up in the foster care system — didn’t believe she could actually get into Harvard, much less secure a full scholarship. However, hard work and determination paved the way for an incredible opportunity for her future.

“When I applied to Harvard, I applied to Harvard as a joke,” Williams told the news outlet. “I didn’t think I was going to get in.”

When Williams logged into her school account to check her admission results, she was pleasantly surprised to see that she had been accepted with a message that read “congratulations” accompanied by confetti. Now, the young teen is gearing up to study political science and psychology for her tuition-free college career.

In speaking with WCPO, Williams revealed that growing up she wanted to become president one day, and now she’s one step closer to making that dream a reality.

As part of her Harvard admissions interview, the outlet reports that Williams spoke with Michelle Obama and Lin-Manuel Miranda where she asked the former First Lady how she kept pushing forward despite so many people working against her.

“Wise advice, of course, more or less, you just have to keep going. No one’s ever fully always on your side,” is what Williams said Obama told her.

In addition to Harvard, Williams also applied to 24 other schools, including her dream school, the University of Southern California, as well as all the Ivy League schools.

As Williams prepares to attend Harvard University in the fall, she hopes that her story will act as an inspiration to other kids who are in her same position.

“To any of the foster kids that are watching, everyone always says it’s going to get better,” she said. “I never used to believe that when I was going through it and stuff like that. Eventually it does.”

Kelisha Williams

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