Shania Muhammad, a 16-year-old girl from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who already has three college degrees, has become America’s youngest full-time salaried teacher. She is currently teaching the third grade at a school in her hometown.

Although some are saying that she is too young, Shania has proven herself to be more than qualified for the job. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Child Development and also earned two associate degrees from Oklahoma City Community College and Langston University when she was just 14 years old. In addition, she has completed two years of National Teachers Professional Development Training through the Thurgood Marshall Foundation.

But beyond her long resume and professional accolades, she also has a true desire and passion for teaching and being in the classroom.

Her dad, Elijah, comments, “I’m super proud of my daughter for being bold and brave and stepping out on her faith and into her purpose. She doesn’t allow people’s opinions of her to dictate the reality of her dreams and passions.”

In a recent post on his Facebook page, he also added, “People will always have criticism and negative things to say but we are used to it. And not one negative comment has slowed down our family’s history-making progress.”