ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É

On November 22, 2002, Kamille Fuller, then 19 years old, was hit down by a motor vehicle while crossing the street, which left the Dinthill Technical High School graduate paralysed from the waist down.

The accident left her needing to use a wheelchair which was difficult for her to accept. But yesterday, 21 years to the day of the fateful accident, Fuller, now 40, proudly rolled across the stage to collect her associate's degree in business administration, with a major in human resources, from the Trench Town Polytechnic College's graduation ceremony. Looking back, Fuller, a native of Linstead, St Catherine, admitted that she found it difficult to continue pursuing her education.

"Over the years [I was] gaining back confidence in going out there, learning to adapt because being that I wasn't born this way and you know learning to adapt, it has taken a few years. But I'm here now," Fuller said with a big smile.

Adapting to her new reality at such a young age was not an easy experience for Fuller, who described the experience as depressing and mentally challenging. However, despite the challenges she faced, Fuller excelled and is proud of her accomplishment.

"It is a milestone. It is an accomplishment for me personally, to know that I did this on my own even though you know being a disabled [person], you need assistance physically. But mentally I am able to take on this and succeed," Fuller said.

For her mother, Carrol McPherson Fuller, her daughter's graduation was a momentous occasion. Sporting a bright smile, McPherson Fuller, who sat in the middle of the audience at the graduation, could not help but cry when her daughter collected her certificate. She told THE STAR that after witnessing her daughter's struggles and subsequent success, she had to compose herself.

"Mi feel good fi mi daughter. Mi feel so good mi wah scream and say 'Big it up girl'," McPherson Fuller said. "To know where she coming from, and the accident, and to know she still push, that's why mi cry man. Mi say 'Yes, you did it girl'."

One of the many reasons Fuller was motivated to excel was because of the overwhelming support from her family, most of whom were present at her graduation, both at the physical ceremony and online.

"The physical, the financial, [and] the somewhat emotional part of it, was covered, so you know that motivates me and pushed me to prove to myself that I am able. Despite my challenges, I am able to achieve," she said.

Fuller is also currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration at Trench Town Polytechnic and is hoping one day she will be able to use her qualifications to work from home. Fuller, who resides in Treadways, St Catherine, said she chose the institution because of the online learning component.

"It was very convenient for me because travelling would be an issue and Trench Town is affordable, so this is why I chose Trench Town," Fuller said.