[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 81 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E672-E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NEVER TOO LATE--TEXAS SPIRIT

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride to give special 
recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by an 
extraordinary woman from Houston--Ieshia Champs. After facing 
incredible challenges in her life, Ms. Champs has risen to not only 
empower herself, but other women facing similar difficulties. At the 
age of 33, this single mother of 5 just graduated from Thurgood 
Marshall School of Law. Despite dropping out of high school, getting 
laid off, being homeless, losing her children's father to cancer, 
losing her mom to cancer, and losing her home to a fire Ms. Champs did 
not quit. In 2009, she earned her GED and began to turn her life 
around. She gives all the credit to her children and her faith in God.
  Last month, Ms. Champs found herself in the dead center of the 
media's attention. She posted a photo with her five children, wearing a 
cap and gown, while holding a chalk board sign that said, ``I did it!''
  Her children held chalkboard signs stating ``We did it!'' and ``I 
helped''. The photo went viral, giving others hope.
  Ms. Champs grew up in the foster care system and struggled with 
thoughts of killing herself. She found hope in God and strength in her 
children. Some people would say that she beat the odds, but I believe 
her passion, determination, and resilient attitude along with her faith 
in God ensured her the talent to finish law school. It wasn't easy. Her 
kids helped

[[Page E673]]

her studies. They quizzed her with flash cards and even served as her 
mock jury. A family that practices law together, stays together.
  We are all faced with challenges and choices, some more difficult 
than others, but the understanding that each person is responsible for 
their actions and their own pursuit of the American dream is the best 
building blocks we can give to our children.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I want to 
congratulate Ms. Champs for setting an example to her children and 
giving hope to other women who are facing similar challenges.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________