Karina Navarro
“I’d like to thank the donors for giving me, as well as other recipients, the ability to have support for our accommodations and needs. It’s an honor to be helped, and I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to get the accommodations I need.”
In January 2010, at just one year old, Karina Navarro sustained a T10 spinal cord injury. Because she was so young and her mother has chosen not to share the details, Karina has grown up without knowing exactly how her injury occurred. While the cause remains unknown, the impact has shaped her life from the very beginning. Over the years, she has learned to navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with her injury, building resilience and independence along the way.
As Karina prepared to transition into a new chapter—living on her own as a college student—one major barrier stood in her way: transportation. Having a reliable way to drive herself to school, appointments, and errands was essential, but the cost of modifying a car with manual hand controls was daunting. Through a $2,000 scholarship from the Be Perfect Foundation, Karina was able to purchase the equipment she needed. This life-changing support has given her the ability to get behind the wheel, making her daily life more manageable and giving her the freedom to focus on her studies and personal growth instead of worrying about how to meet her basic transportation needs.
With the ability to drive, Karina has gained a deeper sense of self-reliance. She can now independently attend school, run errands, and manage her schedule without depending on others. This independence has fueled her confidence and allowed her to participate more fully in life. Despite the challenges of socializing and maintaining regular in-person connections, she has taken bold steps forward, including securing a job as a cashier. This role not only gets her out of the house but also provides opportunities to interact with people, improving her communication skills and building her self-assurance.
Karina’s future is filled with ambition. She is pursuing her degree in Physics—a lifelong dream—and is committed to continuing her journey toward greater social engagement and personal independence. For her, the support from Be Perfect is more than just financial assistance; it’s a catalyst for a richer, more active life. “I’d like to thank the donors for giving me, as well as other recipients, the ability to have support for our accommodations and needs. It’s an honor to be helped, and I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to get the accommodations I need,” Karina shares.
Through determination, community support, and the generosity of the Be Perfect Foundation, Karina is not only pursuing her academic and personal goals but also creating a life defined by possibility, independence, and confidence.