At 25, She Adopted Her Former Student. Now She’s Navigating Life as a Single Mother of 2 (Exclusive)

• Paige Bramlett became a foster parent at 24 when she learned her student, William, needed a permanent home
• Despite facing setbacks because of her age and status as a single parent, Paige eventually obtained full custody of William and became his legal guardian
• Now, Bramlett is a single mother of two and uses her platform to share her foster journey

Paige Bramlett’s journey to motherhood was far from conventional, but for her, it was always meant to be. Even before having children, she knew adoption would be a part of her story – though she never expected it to happen so soon, or the way it did. 

At just 24 years old, Bramlett took a leap of faith that would change both her life and the life of a 5-year-old boy in need of a home. 

In 2019, Bramlett met William while working as his elementary school behavioral specialist. After learning he needed a permanent home, she made the decision to become his foster mom. By 2020, Bramlett obtained her foster care license and welcomed him home, full-time. In October 2021, at the age of 25, she officially adopted William, solidifying their unbreakable bond. 

The adoption process wasn’t easy, but Bramlett leaned into her faith, believing that everything was happening for a reason.

“I always knew that I wanted to adopt before having biological children, but I never imagined I would adopt through foster care, especially at such a young age and while I was single,” Bramlett tells PEOPLE exclusively. 

“The opportunity came to me in a series of steps that were undeniably orchestrated by God. As much as I tried to control the course of my life, I quickly learned that it’s not about my plans — it’s about trusting that God is the true author of our stories.”

Navigating adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of uncertainty to an already daunting process. 

“One of the biggest challenges was the timing,” she says. “The pandemic shifted everything — how visitations were conducted, how therapy and school sessions worked, and even how court hearings and meetings were managed.”

Beyond logistical hurdles, Bramlett had to also overcome stereotypes about her age, particularly within the courtroom or during school meetings. 

“I was often met with skepticism, simply because I didn’t fit the traditional ‘parent’ mold. That frustration taught me to advocate for my child and for myself,” she explains. “I learned that my voice mattered, and I wasn’t going to shrink back or just agree with others for the sake of avoiding conflict. I asked questions, pushed back when necessary, and stood firm because, ultimately, I knew my child better than anyone.”

The day William’s adoption was finalized was one of the most emotional and defining moments of Bramlett’s life.

“Standing in that courtroom — one I had stood in before, advocating and witnessing the heartbreaking realities of the system — felt surreal,” she tells PEOPLE. 

“To be in that same space and hear the judge officially and legally declare that William was my son, that he now shared my last name, was overwhelming. It was a moment of joy, relief and deep gratitude, but also a recognition of the weight of everything that had led us there in the first place.”

Through it all, Bramlett relied on her family and the community she has built online.

“The decision to adopt came at a time when I was facing a lot of change in my life. I leaned heavily on my support system, which was largely my family,” she revealed.

“However, I also built a strong community of fellow adoptive mothers — both single and married — through my Instagram platform. Being able to talk openly about the highs, lows and complexities of foster care and adoption with others who were walking similar paths was an immense source of support for me.”

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Motherhood has brought Bramlett both challenges and immeasurable joy. She describes William as her “strength in the storm.”

“As a mother, it’s easy to feel defeated at times, but being an adoptive, single mother adds an entirely different layer of challenge. Whether the storm is related to adoption or something else, my son’s resilience and his story continue to inspire me, especially during the toughest moments,” Bramlett explains. 

Through it all, she has remained committed to moving forward and is currently a Family Specialist for a Foster Care Ministry.

“Through heartbreak, through hope and through the unknown, you will find your way,” Bramlett says. “Your child is learning from you — how to heal, how to trust and how to believe in a future full of love.”

In April 2023, Bramlett gave birth to her second child, a baby girl. The experience of introducing William and his new sister was one she would never forget. 

Being a single mom, Bramlett embraces the undertaking of raising two children – nine-and-a-half years apart in age – on her own. 

“My goal is to instill a sense of independence and self-sufficiency in my children while also demonstrating the power of perseverance, love and dedication,” she says. “Though I am their mother, they teach me just as much about love and persistence. Our favorite moments together are often the simplest — being together, laughing, watching movies and, of course, Taco Tuesday.”

Reflecting on her journey, Bramlett has found strength in motherhood and personal growth through the experience. 

“It has forced me to grow in ways I never imagined, helping me realize strengths I didn’t know I had. The fulfillment that comes from knowing I’m providing for my children, both emotionally and physically, is deeply rewarding. Every sacrifice I make is for their well-being, and seeing how my efforts positively impact their future is truly empowering,” she reveals to PEOPLE.

For those considering adoption, Bramlett advises deep reflection about long-term goals and personal values.

“Be prepared for the emotional challenges that may come with the journey and seek out trusted sources of information. Attend informational sessions, connect with professionals who specialize in foster care adoption, and learn from their expertise,” she says. “It’s also helpful to get to know local foster families, join a supportive care community, and ensure you have a strong network to lean on throughout the process.”

Bramlett explains that though the journey is beautiful, it comes with difficulties. “This path will bend you, but it won’t break you. There will be moments of grief and uncertainty, but resilience is built in the way you rise each time,” she says.

Looking ahead, Bramlett hopes that her children, especially William, will find strength in their own stories. 

“I hope that my son will one day feel empowered to share his own story and use it to encourage other children in the foster care system. While I’ve shared our family’s journey, his story is his to tell — and it’s one filled with resilience, strength and hope,” Bramlett says. 

“I believe his story has the power to inspire others, showing them that no matter the obstacles they face, there’s always the potential for a brighter future. I look forward to the day he’s ready to share it, knowing it will make a meaningful impact on those who need it most.”