Phoebes in Philanthropy Scholarship Hello, My name is PaQuita Wynn and I'm 38 years old, and I'm perusing a career as a Register Nurse. I would like to tell you about my Phoebe, and this is my story of how my Phoebe helped saved me. June 17, 2018, marks a day of change for me. God put me in a humbling position that altered the course of my life. I was in the middle of nursing school, only two weeks from finishing the semester, when a devastating car accident left me with permanent physical damage. I became an amputee overnight, and with that came a wave of grief, anger, and self-doubt. I felt as though everything I had worked for was gone. Physically and mentally broken, I lost my sense of identity, my motivation, and my hope. Then my Phoebe came along—Lashonda Harrison. Lashonda stepped into my life during my darkest season and refused to let me give up. She motivated me mentally, physically, and spiritually, guiding me back to myself one day at a time. When I felt too weak to stand, she reminded me of the strength within me. When I doubted God’s plan, she prayed with me and encouraged me to keep my faith. She showed me what it meant to truly invest in another person’s healing, not with money or material things, but with love, presence, and unwavering belief. Through her example, I learned that philanthropy is not always measured in dollars but in the way we give of ourselves. Lashonda’s generosity of spirit changed my life. She reminded me that even in my pain, I could still bring hope to others. She became a mirror, showing me resilience I did not think I still had. Because of her, I began to see my future not as lost, but as redefined. Now, I strive to carry forward what she gave me. I mentor younger students who face setbacks, encouraging them not to let obstacles define their journeys. I volunteer in my community, sharing my story to inspire others to keep going when life feels unbearable. I believe philanthropy is about lifting others up, just as Lashonda lifted me. My accident may have changed my body, but it also gave me a deeper purpose—to be a source of strength, hope, and compassion for others. Lashonda was my Phoebe, and because of her, I have committed my life to being that light for someone else. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the impact I make, honoring her legacy by giving back in every way I can.