I have a barrier standing in my way. Within my college career, beginning in the fall of 2010 math has been the bane of my existance. After attending community college for 7 years now, I am almost halfway through my associates degree and within that time have done a total of 7 math courses, all pre-requisites by the way. Now, I am staring down the finishing stretch of a college math course, my 8th math course overall, with a current grade of D. I have been in much worse situations but this truly is motivating me because if I pass this course, even with a low C: thats it!! I would be done with math until I come back for my bachelors degree in the future. I survived a car collison while on my bike, I got back to some form of mental stability, during my recovery worked my way through college taking 1 to 2 courses per semester, and amongst it all began delt with the emotional termoil that will never seem to leave.

For me its truly difficult to count how many times I have imagined the true joy that I would feel to not be only done with my math requirements for this degree, but more importantly have it be done while still having a TBI! How amazing would that feel!!? Many would believe getting to work on time, having a relationial persuit workout, or making it through a hangover stricken morning, as an accomplishment. In there own way each of these are, but with the struggles that these past 7 years have brought into my life, this is different. When I see that passing grade even if it is a C, as tears drop down my face, I will realize that my tenacity finally paid off and the dream of a degree will become even more of a reality rather than a fantasy.

To those who are just becoming aware of themselves, as a tbi stricken individual, all i ask is that you don't give up. We have been through so much and for some its about to get even harder, but we can do it. My mind will never let me be, but though those dark and depressing thoughts remain I will not standby and let them dictate what my life will become. After so many years of heartbreak and termoil I am starting to see a speck of light at the end of this dark never ending tunnel. If 7 years of living with a right frontal traumatic brain injury has taught me anything its that the worst words to tell someone with a brain injury is, "Are you sure you can do it?"

It didnt stop me then, and it wont stop me ;)