And Pearls is the guy who married the girl who cried pearls! :) 

First, I would like to congratulate all the winners! I can't wait to watch your movies. I haven't had a chance to watch all the films yet. It was one of the best Oscars ever! Thank you to the Academy for putting together a fun show and for all the performers. 

• What is my hero’s journey?

One day, I returned home from work to find everything I knew was gone. On January 11, 2025, my house was burnt to ashes, my father is dead, and my puppy is dead. 

• What lessons did I learn through moments of adversity and deep self-inquiry? 

Nothing is permanent. One day, I’m going to die myself.  I have fallen into major depression & chronic fatigue. A year later,
I also feel flabby. Don’t get me wrong, I still look great for the camera, but I really don’t feel well. Some days, I feel like I could fall over. On other days, I am okay. I am trying to survive my pain by reading the bible. 
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• What are my resolutions to find myself again?

I am not lost. I am traumatized. Loss refers to the emotional response to the absence of something or someone significant, while trauma is the psychological response to a distressing event that overwhelms a person's ability to cope. 

• What are physical, spiritual, and mental things I can do to overcome trauma? 

* Physical: I don’t know. I have to go back to the gym. I'm just very, very tired. If I can work out at home at least for 10 minutes, that’s my goal for this Lent season. 
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* Mental: I don’t know. Just getting back to my music and photography will be great. 

* Spiritual: I don’t know. I go to church, and that’s very helpful. I rebuke enemies and goofs of all kinds in Jesus name. Amen 

• Meeting my husband as a mentor? 

Leo and I are in love and nothing and no one can steal that. I find it funny that I have to remind some people everyday that I am married and I am a very good christian. I have A "big rock on my finger. "Actually 7 of them". I love gem stones. 

• Other mentors? 

Sure. I have lots of friends. It is certainly empowering to have friends, and I am very thankful for everyone who has been through this tragic time with me. 

• Do I remember who I was? 

I was a photographer by day and a pop star by Happy Hour. I don't like staying up late. I love the sunset.  

• Who am I now?

A writer. 

Victory:
After a year of isolation and deep grief, I start running this morning! I am going to keep running for my family who couldn't escape the fire. God bless my father, my puppy Romeo, and my mother, too, and all my other pets who died. 

​Renee Zawawi graduated with dual degrees in Photography and Motion Picture, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Renee Zawawi is the music business "Quarterback" and the first artist in music business history to have released 12 music videos in one year while a college student. Renee Zawawi has been working as a commercial photographer for years, but she took a one-year bereavement after the tragic death of her father back on January 11, 2025.