Family July 1, 2021

First-generation college graduate says she 'manifested' making Olympic team

WATCH: Simone Biles leads US gymnastics to Tokyo Olympics

Quanesha Burks is proving dreams do really come true.

The 26-year-old is heading to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics after jumping her personal best in the women's long jump. Burks placed third with a jump of 22 feet, 10 inches, clinching a spot on the team.

Burks said going from her first job in high school working at McDonald's to being an Olympian is a dream come true.

Editor's Picks

In a TikTok video, Burks shared how she "manifested" making Team USA by repeating to herself, "I'm going to be an Olympian," daily leading up to the trials.

"There was so much negativity but I just kept telling myself, 'I'm going to be an Olympian,' and started recording it," Burks told "Good Morning America."

Her video received over 100,000 likes and over 300,000 views in just three days.

Burks was raised by her grandparents in a small town in Alabama and was the first in her family to go to college.

MORE: Nursing moms will be allowed to bring their children to Tokyo Olympics.

She received a track scholarship to the University of Alabama and graduated with a degree in education.

Not only is she training for Tokyo, she is also working as a tutor and nanny for young children.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Left to right, Tara Davis, second place, Brittney Reese, first place, and Quanesha Burks, third place, celebrate on the podium after the Women's Long Jump Final on day nine of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 26, 2021 in Eugene, Ore.

Burks has two younger sisters and wants to be an inspiration for young girls.

"All you need to do is have faith and believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you're unstoppable," Burks said.

MORE: Simone Biles and 5 US women's gymnastics teammates headed to Tokyo.

Burks hopes to open a learning development center to help other children like her.

As far as the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, Burks said she's "really looking forward to get on the podium."