A Sudden and Complete Change

by Samantha
(Summerville, South Carolina)

I was in the eighth grade, made honor roll every semester, cheered for the high school in which I was assigned to go, and had recently received the "Best Personality" superlative. I had always wanted to be a nurse practitioner, and was well on my way. During spring break I went to Myrtle Beach, SC with my best friend and her stepfather. On our ride home we were rear-ended and knocked into oncoming traffic. We were in a little Ford Contour and were rammed in the side by a big SUV. I was unconscious and partially ejected when the top of the car collapsed. This crash was on a bridge in heavy traffic. Once police cleared some cars, a helicopter landed on the bridge and carried me to the hospital, where I remained in a coma for two weeks. The doctors told my parents that I had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and when I awoke from the coma I had to go to rehabiliation. The doctors recommended the Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta, GA because the rehab program had therapists specialized in brain injuries. I received a ton of assistance and adequate preperation for my life ahead. I came home and had to attend the high school (the one which I cheered's rival). That was traumatic enough but I also was enrolled in the Special Education class to give me extra help. After accepting the circumstances, I graduated on time with a standard SC Diploma. Then I wanted more, so I enrolled at the local Technical College. I will be taking a Nuse's Aide certification exam at the end of this week and maybe later become a full on nurse. I still have some memory loss and minor cognitive issues which I have accomodated, but overall I'm on the track of my dreams. This just goes to show that nothing can stop you if you put your mind to it!