Girl's Story of Surviving Crash Earns Scholarship

A high school student in Fort Worth had a big weekend — she was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to help pay for college.

What led up to the financial boost is "something good."

Alexa Villa entered an essay contest for a scholarship from Fort Worth Nissan. Financial need was also a requirement.

In the essay, students had to answer the question: How, as a teen, do you talk to your friends, parents and even your siblings about the very real dangers of reckless and distracted driving?

Christie Thomas, publisher of West FW Lifestyle Magazine, was one of four judges. She said 26 students submitted 500-750 word essays, but Alexa's essay "stood out with all four of us," she said.

In the essay, shared with NBC 5, Alexa wrote about a crash in 2015 that left her with a fractured pelvis and a broken leg. She was driving and thought the path was clear to turn into her neighborhood when she saw one truck coming, but didn't see a second in her blind spot.

"I don't remember much of what happened after the crash," she wrote, "but the parts I do remember have stuck with me even after two years."

Alexa felt pain in her leg, and later learned along with the broken leg, her pelvis was fractured in four areas, and she had a cut in her eye.

"My doctors said the only reason I survived was because I'm so petite and my seat belt had kept me in," she wrote.

Alexa was in the hospital for two weeks, then on crutches for almost 10. She recovered to resume cheerleading at Western Hills High School and now uses her the story of her crash to remind family and friends to take it slow, be aware of surroundings and wear seat belts. 

In her essay she wrote, "Life is short and if everyone can be more responsible on the road, then less accidents will occur. Drive safely because someone at home loves you and losing someone in your life to reckless driving is painful. I try to tell my story and use it as a way to open others eyes to how dangerous driving can be so that it will make the roads a safer place for everyone."

"Her personal story about her 2015 accident resonated with what the essay was about," said Thomas. "She was in the hospital for a week and could've lost her leg. This beautiful bubbly girl made her way back and will be attending Tarleton in the fall."

Alexa will study mathematics at Tarleton State University and hopes to teach high school. 

"Tell Me Something Good" airs every weekday morning on NBC 5. Send your story to iSee@nbcdfw.com.