CSB Student Spotlight Megan Pearson

The Cameron School of Business at UNCW is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Megan
Pearson, whose strength and determination through adversity have touched the lives of many.
Megan, a student at Cameron School of Business, faced an incredibly challenging battle after contracting COVID-19 in early 2022. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and a drive to make a difference.

On February 2, 2022, Megan was admitted to Novant NHRMC after testing positive for
COVID-19 and developing pneumonia. Her condition rapidly worsened, leading to a diagnosis of
acute respiratory failure. Doctors placed her in a medically induced coma for nine days as they
fought to save her life. After nearly a month in the hospital and several return visits for additional
surgeries and treatments, Megan began her long road to recovery. Throughout her ordeal, one
thing helped bring her and her family comfort—music.

"I love Fleetwood Mac and Dolly Parton, she’s my favorite. So my parents would play music on
the Alexa in my hospital room," Megan shared. "It’s amazing to look back now and remember
certain songs, even though I had no idea where I was. The music stuck with me."

The music not only helped Megan but also provided her family with a sense of comfort during a
frightening time. Inspired by the impact that something as simple as music had on her recovery,
Megan and her sister, Anna Hayes Pearson, launched a fundraiser with a goal of placing smart
speakers in every room at the hospital where she was treated. Their mission was to give patients
in similar situations the ability to feel more at home and at peace during their hospital stay. With
228 rooms in the hospital and each Alexa device costing $121, the Pearson sisters set a goal of
$27,588 for their project and worked to achieve their goal.

"I feel like I’m here for a reason, and it’s to give back," Megan said. "I want to make sure that
every patient in my situation, or any situation, has the ability to feel calm and at home."

Megan's spirit of giving is not only evident in her recovery efforts, but also in her approach to her
studies at Cameron School of Business. Despite facing significant health challenges, Megan
remained committed to her education, crediting the school’s support for helping her navigate her
journey. "During my time at the Cameron School of Business at UNCW, I went through a tough
period dealing with an illness. The school really stepped up, helping me adjust to the situation.
They connected me with an amazing advisor, Jennifer McLamb, who was there for me every
step of the way. Her guidance and the school's flexibility made it possible for me to keep up with
my studies despite everything," Megan said. "Their support meant a lot and made a real
difference in my experience at UNCW."

Megan Pearson's story is a testament to the power of community, family and the human spirit.
She has taken a difficult situation and turned it into a way to give back and help others. The
Cameron School of Business is proud to recognize Megan’s perseverance and dedication both
in and outside the classroom.