Every now and then, a story goes viral that inspires us and reminds us that dreams do come true. Recently, a Massachusetts woman shared a story about her transition from janitor to healthcare worker, becoming a visual representation of the saying “hard work pays off.”

In 2010, Dr. Jaines Andrades was a fast food worker, but after receiving a call from the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, she accepted the offer to work as the hospital’s janitor. Though the position wasn’t ideal, she was aware that it would allow her to learn a few things about the medical field she’s long desired to work in.

“Even if it was cleaning, as long as I was near patient care I’d be able to observe things. I thought it was a good idea,” she said to WBZ-TV. “It’s tough to be the person that cleans. If I had to go back and do it again, I would. It’s so worth it.”

Andrades worked her way through nursing school and was promoted to the role of a Baystate nurse. Last month, she became a nurse practitioner.

Before her graduation, she explained that focusing on education helped her to progress in life.

“At 11 years old, after going through some tough times, I prayed that if education was the only way out, I would focus and make something of myself,” Andrades wrote alongside her graduation picture. “It hasn’t been easy, and the road hasn’t been straight, but my prayer was answered. 1 week left and then it’s time to enjoy all this hard work.”

After earning her doctorate, a follow-up post read, “Allow me to reintroduce myself!! My name is Dr. Jaines M. Andrades! Today made it official! This pandemic isn’t going to rain on my parade.”

Most recently, she documented her decade-long journey at Baystate with a photo of all three of her work badges.

“I’m so appreciative and like in awe that my story can inspire people,” Andrades told WBZ-TV. “I’m so glad. If I can inspire anyone, that in itself made the journey worth it.”