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Debra J. White is an author whose personal journal of resilience and creativity has unfolded in the face of life-altering challenges. After a 1994 pedestrian car accident ended her career and resulted in a traumatic brain injury, she re-directed her path towards volunteer service and writing. Debra has contributed creative work and articles to a wide range of publications and authored All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury. After Traumatic Brain Injury, a memoir that reflects on transformation, purpose, and community engagement. Her ongoing work includes storytelling, reflective writing, and sharing insights from her lived experiences with a focus on the ways individuals adapt and find meaning after unexpected change.

Debra, thank you for agreeing to this interview. To begin, could you introduce yourself, share a bit about your background, and tell us what you currently focus on in your writing and volunteer efforts?

I am originally from NYC. I graduated from NYU School of Social Work in 1988. After the 1994 car accident ended my career, I moved from upstate NY to Phoenix in 1997. I now volunteer at Sky Harbor airport, at the AZ Animal Welfare League, and Helping Hands for Relief and Development. I write about rescued animals and recovery from brain trauma.

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Your memoir grew from deeply personal experiences following a traumatic brain injury. What motivated you to write All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury, and how did writing help you work through your journey?

I took up writing after the accident because I was bored. I didn’t have a job to return to. I also wanted to remember the hospital/rehab center. This was all new to me. I was never in the hospital for that long (2 months).

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Can you describe how you transformed your professional and personal identity in the years after your accident, and what roles writing and volunteer service played in that transformation?

Volunteer work gives me a reason to get out of bed. I feel productive. I feel part of the world around me. I also like meeting new people and making new friends. Writing also keeps me focused and able to contribute.

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You’ve written for a wide variety of publications and contributed to different genres and topics. What kinds of stories or ideas do you find yourself most drawn to explore in your writing?

I find myself drawn to animal rescue stories. I’ve been a shelter volunteer since 1989. I’ve had many rescued dogs over the years. They all added meaning to my life. I enjoy writing about my experiences.

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Many readers connect with narratives of resilience. When you reflect on the challenges you have faced, what insights about resilience or purpose do you feel are most important for others to hear?

The first challenge I faced was loss of income. It was a struggle to survive on disability payments. I had to contend with a body and brain that were out of whack, so to speak. I had trouble remembering simple details. I couldn’t walk the same. I still can’t, but I manage. It is important to connect with people who support you. I am blessed with so many good friends.

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You’ve been involved in various volunteer activities since your recovery. How does service to others influence your creative work and your sense of connection to community?

I love my volunteer work. And I love writing about the various experiences. It’s all very interesting. I hope others enjoy reading about my experiences. I couldn’t live without them.

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Authors and creators often develop unique routines or habits that support their work. What does your writing process look like today, and how has it changed over time?

I find it helpful to write daily or as often as I can, even if none of it gets published. It’s good to get into a routine. For me, I write about things so I won’t forget them. I keep a personal diary too and write down what I do every day.

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Looking back at milestones in your career—whether publication, community engagement, or personal growth—what accomplishments do you feel most proud of, and how have they shaped your perspective?

I am most proud of the volunteer work, especially as a pet therapist with homeless children. My adopted dog Luke and I visited a family shelter for seven years. Wow, the memories I could write about. These children and their resilience touched me in so many ways. I am also proud that I didn’t give up. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, but I always look for ways to remain active and vibrant.

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Many people find that creativity and compassion intersect in meaningful ways. In what ways has your writing opened doors to conversations or understanding about experience, identity, or community?

I love sharing my experiences with people. I hope I don’t bore them. My writing has given me insight into other people’s lives—how they suffer, how they achieve, how they persevere.

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As someone who has navigated significant life changes, what advice or reflections would you offer to others seeking to reframe or redirect their own challenges into purposeful work?

I would tell people who have faced challenges not to give up. Seek connections with family, friends, and community. Get involved in the world around you. Keep current on what’s happening in the world. Read a book. Go for a walk. Adopt a pet. Remember that you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Cry if you must, but dry the tears and keep going.

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If you were to write your own bio, what would you say? And as your work evolves, what kind of impact do you hope it has?

Debra was born and raised in NYC during the Cold War era. A 1994 car accident caused brain trauma and other injuries, ending her work life. She was a social worker. Thankfully, it didn’t end her life. She took up writing after the accident. She hopes that her work inspires others to keep going. She enjoys engaging with people and learning from others.

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