2023 Rosen & Ohr Scholarship Winner
We would like to extend our congratulations to Morgan Dellabella, the winner of the 2023 Rosen & Ohr Scholarship! To learn more about the Rosen & Ohr, P.A. Scholarship, click here.
A quick trip to the mall in October of 2019 left me with far more than a pretty dress for my high school homecoming dance. Every teenage girl dreams of finding the perfect outfit, returning home to show her mom, and feeling like a million bucks on the special day. For me, showing my mom that evening was not in the plans. I stepped back into the parking lot with a smitten smile but only made it halfway out with tears, blood, and bruises. To my demise, a drunk driver sped through a stop sign right into me, leaving my car totaled and my neck forever changed. The impact of the accident shifted my spine to curve backward, which was quite unfavorable.
The next years were consumed by doctor visits, physical therapy, and most importantly, uncertainty. I had enormous aspirations of becoming a lawyer and continuing my education, which once looked so bright. I thought having to sit out of my favorite activities was the biggest struggle but taking the LSAT was too. I was a straight-A student committed to studying pre-law at Florida State University. Although a great motivation, the fear of not being physically apt to take exams and focus on educational material was doubtful. Nerve-blocking injections rapidly became routine when the pain felt unbearable. Having to practice looking down at textbooks for extended periods of time felt silly but was indeed my new normal.
After long periods of dwelling on the “what ifs” as well as the idea that I would never completely be what I once was, I decided to look at the glass half full; I could have been left facing worse injuries. Receiving medical accommodations in school gave me hope, but I had to put in the brunt of the work. I soon began working towards establishing a better cervical curve, which relieved me of some restrictions. Rehabilitation and finding new ways to study reminded me that I was indeed apt for anything I put my heart, soul, and mind towards.
I took the LSAT as well as all the other exams required to not only graduate this semester but also to graduate Summa Cum Laude. The exhilarating sense of accomplishment and success compelled me to share what I had previously thought was impossible. So, I focused on the incredible opportunity of serving the Children’s Miracle Network. Inspiring, believing in, and helping children who were fighting life-altering situations grounded me and reminded me how fortunate I truly am. Through these experiences, I am proud to say that I have persevered and am committed to attending the University of Miami Law to pursue my Juris Doctor degree.
In addition to my personal effort, noting my family’s and friends’ efforts is of extreme importance. Going through a traumatic event alone was arduous but dealing with it alone for months afterward seems unfeasible. Having been surrounded by loving and caring individuals throughout this time was incredibly motivating and reassuring. Allowing others to step in during my time of need was the extra strength I needed to keep progressing.
Moving forward, I have gained all the tools necessary tools to face similar circumstances which include using any uncertainty as motivation to aid in positive progress. I will continuously remind myself that one can never control tomorrow but one can surely control today. With that daily mindset, tough days will go by faster and weeks will end sooner. Additionally, reflection goes a long way in overcoming adversity. Once progression occurs, it is simpler to believe in oneself and their capabilities. To me, recognizing small victories is paramount as they add up over time and differences are made. This frame of mind will definitely help me continue to make astounding progress and overcome life’s next hurdle.
Furthermore, I plan to finance my legal education through loans as well as scholarships. The University of Miami School of Law is a private institution, thus tuition is extremely expensive. I am willing to take out loans to receive an education, in my field of interest, from such a prestigious school. I feel as though the benefits of this degree will outweigh the financial costs. With my knowledge of finances, I will be able to pay the loans off over time in my future
years of employment. Ultimately, law school is a huge expense, but the value and hard work of my education will be worthwhile. Earning a graduate degree has always been a life goal of mine; making myself and my family proud will be especially rewarding.
