She’s getting real. Nadya Suleman, who is sometimes known as “Octomom” and who goes by Natalie Solomon/Suleman on Instagram, opened up about her past on the social media platform and admitted she hasn’t had it easy. “Wanted to share more of my back story, for supporters who are interested,” she began a long caption on a photo she shared on October 20. “This (poor quality) photo was taken at my graduation from a two year (1995-97) psychiatric technician program, where I trained to be a licensed mental health clinician. Born into struggle, I learned the value of perseverance early in life.”

Nadya, 44, continued, “My mom was a teacher for over 30 years, and I internalized her love for serving others. My original plan was to earn my PhD in psychology. Knowing my parents couldn’t afford to put me through college, I set goals for myself, and implemented those goals despite any obstacle in my path. I earned valedictorian (with perfect attendance), and began working in a day treatment clinic as a med nurse with mentally ill patients.”

old photo of nadya suleman a.k.a. octomom
Courtesy of Natalie Solomon/Instagram

She then went on to explain more of her academic and professional journey before noting, “One may call my personality type A, I say AAA LOL. Earning my PhD didn’t happen for me (due to poor choices you are aware of 😳), so plan B? Adapt effectively to change, and remain resilient to circumstances out of my control, though control what I can. All I can control is my mind (and two man hands), and relentlessly, tirelessly work towards achieving the next goal: success. #MomOnAMission #AAAPersonality #Success.”

This is not the first time the mom of 14 has let her followers know some more private aspects of her life. For instance, in August, she revealed that her son Aidan is severely autistic. “Aidan relies on me, his mom, to completely assist him in meeting all his needs in activities of daily living,” she shared on Instagram on August 20.

“I love him with all my heart, and will care for him until I die,” Nadya continued. “I chose to share about Aidan, who is both a blessing and challenge in my life, to provide contextualization for you oblivious and condemnatory critics, who erroneously believe I am compartmentalized from my children. You violate me, you violate them. Enough is enough.” She’s clearly very tough, despite everything life has thrown at her and her family.

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