Erica Waller-Hill, CEO of the education-advocacy nonprofit Destined for a Dream in Bristol, knows all about overcoming obstacles in pursuit of long-term goals. Ashley R. Williams chronicled her ongoing passion and optimism for the Bucks County Courier Times.

Waller-Hill has aided numerous students through her educational outreach. She champions 5–22-year-old learners in any district, boosting their literary skills, leadership abilities, self-esteem, and professionalism.

Her goal for them is college and beyond.

To introduce them to university life, she chaperones campus visits, averaging two a year for the past 24 years.

It was just such a field trip that changed her life. A 2013 journey to Harvard University ended in a horrendous bus crash that sent her and 35 students to Boston–area hospitals.

None of the injuries were fatal, but one of her charges remains paralyzed.

She has shouldered on, however, refusing to allow the tragedy to dim her educational spark. “We’re not a sob story; we’re a success story,” she said.

She’s now tutoring second-generation students, sons and daughters of alumni she assisted in the past.

More on Waller-Hill and her advocacy is at the Bucks County Courier Times.