I still remember my 8th grade history teachers response when I told him I was gifted: "Well you haven't done anything gifted in here."

Which is really the main point. Ones circumstances aside, I strongly believe you can achieve what you set your mind to. I've been able to achieve everything I've truly wanted to achieve in my life so far.

I suspect the author of the article wanted to be a mother, married and to work with children. It looks like she achieved these things.