Bridgewater is the ‘mother’ of schools. I’ve been embraced, loved, and supported in the ways I needed, the way you should be.
Upon opening her eyes, Marilyn Aziz, ’26, did not recognize the people in front of her claiming to be her parents, nor did she know the man who said he was her fiancé.
This was back in 2017, while living in her native California. Marilyn was driving to school when the crash occurred, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and significant memory loss.
“My life was forever changed,” Marilyn said. “I was like a baby again. I had to relearn what foods were called, I had verbal issues, I couldn’t speak correctly, and had short term memory loss.”
Eventually she began to remember her parents and fiancé but called off the engagement because she ultimately lost her feelings for him.
“It was so difficult emotionally and mentally,” Marilyn said.
Along with the brain injury, she also suffered a fractured left arm and hip, blurred vision, and persistent headaches.
At the time of her accident, she was studying to become a medical doctor but after the accident, her recovery made it difficult to continue. Because of her cognitive difficulties, it became clear that returning to a career in medicine was improbable.
For three years she focused on healing, underwent multiple surgeries, and fought her way back. Eventually, she even made it back to school. However, because of her brain injury, she struggled.
“The lights in the classroom were too bright, I had to push hard to tolerate the light and heavy noise. I couldn’t remember things. I couldn’t look at screens. People had to take notes for me. I was not confident enough to give presentations,” Marilyn said.
Despite the hardships, there was one bright spot. During this time, she fell in love with and married a man from Boston. She moved to Massachusetts to be with her husband, Wessam, and that’s when she discovered Bridgewater State University. Soon, her life would take an inspiring turn.
“Moving to Massachusetts and enrolling at BSU marked the beginning of a new chapter,” Marilyn said. “From the moment I arrived at Bridgewater I was welcome by a supportive and caring community that played a pivotal role in my academic and personal growth.”
She met with two academic advisors, Drs Jim Leone and Philip Szlosek; both helped with navigating her unique circumstances.
“Rather than discouraging me, they took the time to understand my goals and worked with me to create an academic plan that aligned with my passion for healthcare,” she said.
Maybe it’s because she learned firsthand after her accident how impetrative physical therapy is, or maybe it’s because of her desire to help others, but after some soul searching and guidance from her advisors, Marilyn opted to study health science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy at BSU.
She began to blossom.
“Bridgewater is the ‘mother’ of schools. I’ve been embraced, loved, and supported in the ways I needed, the way you should be,” Marilyn said.
She is now on track to graduate in 2026 and has already been accepted into the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions where she will pursue a PhD in physical therapy.
“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the guidance, support and encouragement I received from BSU,” Marilyn said. “The community here embraces students from all walks of life, showing me that age, background, or past challenges do not define one’s potential.”
To her fellow students struggling with their own challenges or doubts, she reminds them they are in good hands at Bridgewater and to never give up.
“I am living proof that with the right support and a determination to succeed, anything is possible,” Marilyn said. “BSU is a place that believes in you, no matter what obstacles you may face.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu