City/State: Chattanooga

Brain Injury: During college, I was in a severe car accident while driving back to school after Thanksgiving break.  I had to be airlifted to Vanderbilt and spent a month in the hospital and several more months in outpatient therapy, but I was able to return to complete my degree the following semester.

Explanation of Mask: I’ve entitled my mask “Maps.”  Every brain injury is unique; some people are high functioning while others have severe impairments.  After a brain injury, you need a map because navigating through life with your new brain is no easy feat.  The way you react to stimuli can be completely changed.  Your emotional control board may be altered.  Both of these can impact your interactions with others.  People tend to think a disability is like a missing limb, but it can be so much more than that.  My biggest struggle now is maintaining stable employment in my field and building relationships with people who understand MY brain injury.