Zoë Roth, now a college senior in North Carolina, recently sold her iconic “Disaster Girl” meme as an NFT to help pay off student loans and support charity.

The meme came from a 2005 photo her father took, capturing her mischievous smile in front of a controlled house fire. Since then, the image has been edited into countless scenarios, transforming it into a beloved internet classic.

This April, Roth auctioned the original image as an NFT, earning 180 Ether (around $500,000) while keeping copyright and a 10% royalty on future sales. NFTs, marked by unique codes and stored on the blockchain, are now an exciting part of digital culture.

As one of the most recognizable internet memes, “Disaster Girl” is known alongside “Success Kid” and “Bad Luck Brian.” Selling it allowed Roth to gain some ownership over a legacy that’s followed her since childhood.

After graduating, Roth plans to pursue international relations, using her NFT earnings to fund her education and give back.

Although her friends know about her meme fame, she hopes one day to be recognized for new achievements, with “Disaster Girl” becoming just part of her story.

Watch it below!