The week before starting college, Elizabeth, a track and field and lacrosse athlete, was in a car accident that left her paralyzed and caused extensive abdominal trauma. Spending nearly five months in the hospital, and feeling isolated and trapped in her body, she turned to TikTok as a way to cope, openly sharing her recovery. Her videos unexpectedly reached a global audience, showing her the power of communication. That experience sparked her interest in the field and revealed how connection can form through shared stories.

Less than a year after the accident, she continued her education at Mesa College, earning an associate degree for transfer in Communications and an AA in Social and Behavioral Science. She held social media leadership roles in the Business Club and Chi Gong Club, creating content to increase engagement. Elizabeth has spoken three times at Palomar Hospital, where her recovery began, and served as the keynote speaker for a YMCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.

She enjoys swimming whenever possible and is inspired by her high school friend and fellow SWM scholar, Annie Bi, who recommended she apply for the scholarship. She’ll join Annie at UCLA, where she’ll study Communication.