If you are like many people, when you are young, you dream of what you could be when you grow up. Maybe you wanted to be an astronaut, teacher, or a clown, the list is endless. Most often, these dreams fall by the wayside as life steps in with a reality check. Some people are determined to make their dreams a reality, as these 15 inspirational photos show.

1. Becoming a U.S. citizen

For many migrants coming to the U.S., becoming a citizen is up there as a major accomplishment. This woman not only became a U.S. citizen but also received her U.S. passport in the mail. The day it arrived, she cried tears of joy.

2. Producing a new album

This young man had to post about the new album he had just put out, his first-ever. Most special of all was that he had made it while dealing with his depression.

3. Beating cancer

This young woman had it in her heart to beat her cancer. After she went into remission, she posted this photo to celebrate, and who can blame her.

4. Adopting a kid

Adopting a kid is a long and stressful process, but when it is finally over it is the best feeling ever. The new dad was so happy that he couldn’t help but post a picture of the new addition to the family.

5. Getting published

These two writers of different ages collaborated to put out the first-ever English translation of an Armenian book that was over 75-years old. While they were unlikely friends, they accomplished what they set out to do.

6. Buying a first house

After buying his first house, this man couldn’t wait to post a picture of it online. It just goes to show what hard work can produce when you stick with it.

7. Alcohol-free

A true accomplishment. This man’s father had never gone a full day without drinking. When this picture was posted he had been alcohol-free for 24 days.

8. Getting a master’s degree

After years of hard work, this woman finally got her master’s degree. And while going to school can often be challenging and exhausting, the result is so rewarding.

9. Hitting that weight-loss goal

Losing weight can be hard, especially if you have poor eating habits. This young woman was able to finally take a picture of herself that she could feel happy about after months of trying.

10. No longer homeless

After finding herself homeless on the street and sleeping in her car with her young child, this single was finally able to get a new home. And even though they had no furniture, they still celebrated their new home with a pizza.

11. Recovering from anorexia

After struggling with anorexia, this woman was able to reach a point where she was looking healthy. To celebrate, she posted a picture of herself.

12. Getting married

What this happy picture doesn’t show is this man’s personal struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. According to him, his new wife was the one who helped him see the beauty and happiness in life.

13. Running her first race

After running her first race, this woman couldn’t help but post about it. A 6.5 km race, the woman was able to complete it in 44 minutes and 27 seconds. Also, while training for the race, she was able to lose 3 clothes sizes.

14. Becoming an astronaut

This Russian cosmonaut had always dreamed of going into space ever since he saw the movie Star Wars. He set becoming an astronaut as one of his goals at an early age and has now been in space four times.

15. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

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Becoming an activist at a young age for girls getting an education, this young woman was shot and left for dead by the Taliban in Pakistan. Surviving her ordeal, she has since gone on to become the youngest Nobile Peace Prize laureate in the world.

H/T: Shareably, BrightSide