Tamara Mena survived two car accidents, and each time, she picked herself up and became more determined to continue achieving her dreams after the devastating falls.
Like many aspiring and ambitious young adults, Tamara felt invincible, like a “superwoman”, when she was 19 years old. But, a car accident threatened to take it all away from her. A horse fell on top of the taxi she was in when the vehicle struck it. Tamara suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed, and was dependent on a ventilator to breathe because her lungs were damaged as well. The taxi driver and her boyfriend, who were also in the taxi, did not survive.
Rather than letting pain and grief overtake her life, Tamara adopted a positive spin towards her situation. She recognized her fortune in surviving the accident, and hence, she “had to be thankful for the amazing opportunity to go forward in life.” Her newfound gratitude for life was also contributed by the overwhelming support she received from her family and friends. With this determination to strive ahead, Tamara attained her degree in Communication Studies with highest honors, and was involved in much more work and achievements. She has also regained her voice and the ability to breathe independently.
Another turning point in her life
In 2014, after attending the first Wings for Life World Run, where she represented as an ambassador, Tamara was involved in a second car accident. This time round, Tamara was behind the wheel. Fortunately, the three passengers in the vehicle, who were her mother, her cousin, and herself, escaped with temporary injuries. Tamara admits that she was in a difficult place after the second car accident. She questioned why she had to undergo multiple hardships, and hit a low point for a period of time.
“But I always use negative things to propel me, in a positive way.”
Overcoming her devastation was not easy, as Tamara acknowledges, but she eventually managed to pull herself out of it, and one way she did so was to move to Los Angeles.
A new beginning
Moving to Los Angeles to further her career was something she initially planned to do before the second accident, and she did not let it stop her from doing so. Making the move was indeed beneficial to her and her career. Now, Tamara is, and has been, involved in several projects. They include modeling for Mercedes Benz in 2015 New York Fashion Week, being selected as one out of 15 women to watch out for in an issue of Cosmo for Latinas, an upcoming modeling campaign for Raw Beauty Project LA, and hosting ‘Beauty on Wheels’ for ‘Life con Acento LATV.’ ‘Beauty on Wheels’ is also changing the media landscape, as it is the first show of its kind to have a host who uses the wheelchair. In addition, Tamara will also be starting a campaign called ‘See Me for My Talent,’ which aims to create awareness and proactivity towards people with disabilities, and make a change in society’s attitudes and perceptions.
Tamara has also returned behind the wheel since the accident, refusing to allow fear to limit her capabilities.
“You can’t let fear paralyze you. Be in control of your thoughts! The first step is deciding that you will not let fear stop you any longer! If it’s taken over you, for whatever reason, it’s understandable, but choose to move forward, let go of what happened. Don’t let it limit you any longer. I know it’s not easy, but you can do it.”
Tamara is on a one-way express to achieving greater things, and she hopes to use her influence and voice to give back to the community and to create more opportunities for people with disabilities. She is an example that things can, and will, get better.
“Life does go on after a traumatic event, and it does get easier, only in time, though. You just have to take it day by day and focus on what you can do.”
You can also check out this video to get a glimpse of Tamara’s hosting prowess:
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