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We are proud to announce Marie-Pearl as the winner of our Personal Injury Scholarship this Fall. Our team was moved by Marie-Pearl’s essay of determination towards her academic goals in the midst of recovery from a life-changing accident.

On May 7, while driving back to work, Marie-Pearl was struck by a drunk driver. The incident left her car totaled, her body injured, and her mind overwhelmed. The collision caused injuries to her back, neck, and bones, and triggered intense anxiety whenever she was on the road.

In the aftermath, she juggled hospital visits, police reports, and insurance claims while recovering physically and emotionally. The timing was devastating. She missed the debut of a church skit she had co-written and directed, was unable to continue her full-time job, and missed a class final, which dropped her grade by two letters and threatened to undo her hard work toward achieving a 3.0 GPA.

Despite the setback, Marie-Pearl found the courage to reach out to her professor in an asynchronous online class. She had never met her professor, but fortunately, her consistent participation and high-quality work had already spoken volumes. Her professor, recognizing her dedication, advocated on her behalf and secured an extension for her final. The result: her grade was restored to the “A” she had earned.

She credits this experience with teaching her the value of persistence, integrity, and relationship-building. Therapy, determination, and academic resilience helped her rebuild. She graduated from community college with a 3.0 GPA and now attends Fordham University, where she holds a 3.65 GPA.

Marie-Pearl continues to use her passion for writing and film to raise awareness about road safety. Her advocacy includes short films and proposals for local reform, such as incorporating accident site visits into driver’s education programs.

Congratulations Marie-Pearl!