Pain to Purpose by kayla

Pain to Purpose by kayla - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

In May 2024, my life was forever changed by a catastrophic motor vehicle accident. I suffered more than ten broken bones, including fractures to my hip, pelvis, and shoulders, as well as a brain bleed. The months that followed were filled with pain, surgeries, and a long, grueling recovery. But the physical injuries were only part of my struggle—the accident also took my child, an irreplaceable loss that will stay with me always. That moment could have ended my ambition entirely. Instead, it became the turning point that ignited my mission to live with purpose and create meaningful change.
While I was bedridden, I had time to reflect on my life and my future. I had already endured years of hardship, including surviving human trafficking and severe domestic abuse, and I knew those experiences gave me a powerful story to tell. I made a promise to myself and to my daughter that I would use my survival to help others find hope and opportunity, even in their darkest moments.
One of the first ways I began fulfilling that promise was by writing my first book. It is an honest, deeply personal testimony of my journey: sharing the heartbreak, resilience, and lessons I’ve learned along the way. My hope is that it will reach people who feel trapped or voiceless and help them see that transformation is possible. Writing the book was more than an act of storytelling; it was a step toward healing and a way to reclaim my narrative on my own terms.
At the same time, I began laying the groundwork for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated women. My mission is to create programs that offer mentorship, resources, education, and advocacy for women who are working to rebuild their lives after incarceration. I know how hard it is to start over when society sees only your past, and I want to break down those barriers so that women have real opportunities for success.
To make these goals a reality, I am pursuing a degree in Technical Management with a focus in Criminal Justice. This educational pathway will give me the leadership, organizational, and legal knowledge I need to manage my nonprofit effectively and advocate for systemic change. My studies will prepare me to engage with policymakers, collaborate with community organizations, and design solutions that address both prevention and rehabilitation in the justice system.
For me, education is not simply about earning a degree; it is the foundation for the life I am building. It will equip me with the skills to lead, the credibility to influence policy, and the knowledge to make a lasting impact in my community. I envision using my education to expand my nonprofit, publish more books, and speak to audiences across the country about survival, resilience, and second chances.
The accident that nearly ended my life became the spark that reshaped it. I am no longer running from my past: I am using it as fuel to build a better future. Through my nonprofit, my writing, and my advocacy, I am committed to transforming pain into purpose, honoring my daughter’s memory, and ensuring that my voice and my work inspire hope for years to come.