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Maryland 301-565-1655 Virginia 703-576-5005

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Maryland 301-565-1655 | Virginia 703-576-5005

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Scholarship Fall 2026 Winner

Spring 2026 Winner of the Hope and Opportunity Scholarship

Grisel Cruz

Throughout her life, Grisel has faced tremendous adversity, spending a significant portion of her childhood in the foster care system. While these challenges were difficult, she has developed immense resilience, compassion, and determination. We know that these skills will help her to become a skilled nurse, providing the utmost care and advocacy for others.

Read Their Essay Here:

One of the most defining challenges I faced while in foster care was learning how to survive in environments where safety was never guaranteed and stability was always temporary. From as early as I can remember, my childhood was marked by severe abuse, including sexual abuse from approximately age two to eleven. The weight of those experiences shaped how I understood the worldnot as a place of safety, but as one that required constant awareness, silence, and endurance.

By the time I entered the foster care system, I was not simply a child in need of placement; I was a child already conditioned to survive. I remember asking peopleanyone who showed kindnessif they would adopt me. That question came from a deep longing for safety and belonging. I came close to adoption, but nothing ever became permanent. Each disruption reinforced the belief that stability was not meant for me.

At age eleven, the pain and instability became overwhelming, and I ran away. What followed was a cycle of moving through foster shelters and temporary placements, often running from those as well. Even within systems designed to protect, I struggled to feel secure. I had difficulty trusting others and understanding where I belonged. Silence became my protectionit was how I survived situations I could not control.

Yet within that silence, something remained unbroken. I developed a deep internal resilience and awareness that allowed me to endure without losing my sense of truth. That inner strength eventually led me to make a pivotal decision: I joined the Navy. For the first time, I experienced structure, discipline, and purpose. The military became a turning point, helping me transform survival into direction and resilience into strength.

The challenges I faced in foster care shaped who I am today. They taught me adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to remain steady in high-pressure environments. These qualities now define me as I pursue higher education and a career in healthcare. I understand what it means to feel unseen, and because of that, I am committed to ensuring others feel cared for, valued, and safe.

My story, reflected in my personal work Held While Breaking, is not only about what I endured, but about what I overcame. Foster care was one of the most difficult chapters of my life, but it became the foundation of my growth, purpose, and commitment to serve others with compassion and strength. Today, I no longer live in survival modeI live with intention, carrying forward the belief that even in the most broken circumstances, healing and purpose are possible.

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Silver Spring Bowie Frederick Severna Park Chesapeake Manassas Glen Allen Leesburg

Silver Spring Office

8701 Georgia Ave. Suite 610
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone 301-565-1655

Bowie Office

16701 Melford Blvd., Suite 400
Bowie, MD 20715

Phone 301-565-1655

Frederick Office

5100 Buckeystown Pike # 250
Frederick, MD 21704

Phone 301-565-1655

Chesapeake Office

1545 Crossways Blvd., Suite 250
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Phone 703-576-5005

Manassas Office

10432 Balls Ford Rd, Suite 300
Manassas, VA 20109

Phone 703-576-5005

Glen Allen Office

4870 Sadler Road, Suite 300
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Phone 703-576-5005

Leesburg Office

113 E. Market St, Suite 111
Leesburg, VA 20176

Phone 703-576-5005

Severna Park Office

645 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Ste 211
Severna Park, MD 21146

Phone 301-565-1655

We serve personal injury clients throughout Maryland, including Rockville, Potomac, Olney, Aspen Hills, Damascus, Hagerstown, Middletown, Bethesda, Germantown, Kensington, Gaithersburg, Chevy Chase, Frederick, Urbana, Clarksburg, Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, College Park, Beltsville, Largo, Laurel, Columbia, Ellicott City, Pikesville, Owings Mills, Towson, Reisterstown, Essex, Parkville, Randallstown, Linthicum Heights, Baltimore, Annapolis, Crofton, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Westminster, Sykesville, Silver Spring, Langley Park, Riverdale Park, Wheaton, Glenmont, Highlandtown, Hyattsville, and Bowie.

We serve personal injury and criminal defense clients throughout Virginia, including Arlington, Chesapeake, Newport News, McLean, Herndon, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Reston, Richmond, Suffolk, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Centreville, Charlottesville, Annandale, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Vienna, Front Royal, Falls Church, Oakton, Purcellville, Hampton, Portsmouth, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Fairfax, Manassas, Alexandria, Norfolk.

Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.

Cases Tried In:

Free Consultations Maryland 301-565-1655 | Virginia 703-576-5005

Spring 2026 Winner of the Hope and Opportunity Scholarship

Grisel Cruz

Read Their Essay Here:

Practice Areas

Recent Blog Posts

Request a Case Evaluation

Silver Spring Office

Bowie Office

Frederick Office

Chesapeake Office

Manassas Office

Glen Allen Office

Leesburg Office

Severna Park Office

Free Consultations
Maryland 301-565-1655 | Virginia 703-576-5005