UMM student overcomes tragedy, wins national scholarship, Press Herald reports
The Portland Press Herald reported a University of Maine at Machias junior has received a national scholarship after showing academic and personal resilience following the heroin overdose deaths of several family members. Ponuwon Wocuhsis Brodeur, who is studying psychology and community studies, is one of 50 people nationwide to win a Udall Scholarship, according to the article. The scholars are selected for their leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment. Brodeur, 35, was a part-time student last fall when several members of her family died. She maintained straight As throughout the tragedies and upheaval, and decided to enroll full time in the spring, the article states. “I looked at my life and said, ‘If I can get through all that, I can be a full-time student so I can graduate faster and start making an impact sooner,’” she told school officials. “The essay I wrote for the Udall was about using all this tragedy as an inspiration instead of allowing it to defeat me. My dream is to build a Wabanaki crisis response system. I want to honor the people I’ve lost in this way.”