The Quadrangle

Issue date: 11/3/04 Section: Features

Three years ago, junior Maureen Stransky experienced something that would change her life as she knew it. Only two days prior to her starting her freshman year at Manhattan College, Stransky was on her way home from a friend's graduation party when the car she was in got into an accident. As the passenger, Stransky experienced severe injuries that had left her temporarily paralyzed. Forced to put her freshman year on hold, Stransky needed to spend time between hospital and home recovering from this unexpected incident.

Life changed drastically for her. Besides the fact that she couldn't walk for awhile, Stransky could no longer participate in sports, as she was an athlete and loved physical activities. The once independent young woman now had to rely on others for help. Initially, the fact that she could no longer walk without assistance was a major setback. Regardless, she was determined to continue life, as she knew it, with the help of her parents.

Most kids rely on their parents at one time or another. Stransky had to rely on them all the time. As a result of the accident, she became heavily dependent on her mom and dad. Because of the great parents they have been and the dedication they have shown, Stransky felt it fitting to nominate her parents for the Manhattan College Family Weekend Parent(s) of the Year Award.

Stransky wrote how the accident made her nearly completely dependent on her parents.

"I was so independent and then I had the accident and I depended on them so much. I couldn't have come this far without them," Stransky said.

She wrote that her parents have been the one thing that has kept her going. Whatever she needed done, they would do it. If there was something she wanted to do, she did it. If there was somewhere she wanted to go, she went there. The Stranskys made sure their daughter still continued to be the girl she always was, accident or no accident.

Maureen was really excited when she found out her parents were being given the award.

"I was so happy. It was just one way I could express my gratitude to them for everything they have done for me.

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