-Shatina On The Road To Recovery

Shatina on The Road to Recovery

By: Brent Fahie

If you know Shatina Garnette, then you probably know about the tragic accident that befell her and two other young ladies. They were struck by a drunk driver by the Edith Williams Highway while jogging on January 15, 2012 which left two out of the three girls dead and Shatina in critical condition “Rest in peace to their souls.”

It is said that almost one out of three people in America will be in a drunk driving related accident. http://dui.lifetips.com/cat/61352/drunk-driving-facts-stats/index.html

To survive such a traumatic incident like that is truly amazing and must be a blessing from God. That is why having the chance to interview Ms. Garnette has made me grateful for life; I’m sure she feels the same way, too.

After the accident, she spent four months in the hospital in Florida recuperating. Shatina got back on St.Thomas on May 17. I asked her how she was feeling now. She said “I am fine and doing okay now.” She told me therapy was nice and it went well, but she did not receive any treatment like what Officer Haynes used to do. ( See her story “Officer Haynes - SRO with a Gift” under News and Features at keanwebexpress. Also see the story about the accident.)

Even though she braids hair so outstandingly, she is excited about a career in business management which surprised me considering how much time she spent in the Cosmetology Room at Kean.

She is on the road to recovery but her injuries were pretty severe; she broke both her arms, her leg, and her pelvis. Can you truly say this was not a painful ordeal?

Since the incident she told me life has become difficult “I have problems walking, so what I do is very limited,” she said. Her family has assisted her with her child, a little boy, and still continues to do so.

She wants to encourage Kean students and persuade them “Just to be careful and cherish every moment you have with your loved ones because you never know what tomorrow holds. Also, don't drink and drive, make wise and conscience decisions because what you do influences the people around you,” she said.

She would also like to thank the Lord, Kean family, her family, the whole island and her best friend Keri Hodge. With their prayers, love, and support she has made it to say “Thank You.”