Sarah Slama

There is no formal handbook to life – especially life after any injury, illness or trauma. Eleven years ago, I never imagined to experience two collisions (one being head-on) that would literally send me into a tailspin.
At the time I was Aworking full-time and had just re-enrolled to finish my bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University. I was wide-eyed and optimistic of my future. Then in late January 2013, everything changed or at least, it felt like it had.
It took over six months to be officially diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. This was largely because not enough information or testing was obtained directly after my accident. The emergency room had put me in a hallway for hours and sent me home with pain medication, but never addressed my “headache.”
That headache evolved into memory loss, emotional dysregulation, vision disturbances, concentration issues, among a host of other things. I no longer felt like I knew myself and certainly felt like a diminished version of who I had been.
Although I had specialists and met with various doctors – insurance red tape led to me not fully being able to receive the proper care and treatment. Much of my recovery had to be done on my own, which has been an extraordinarily difficult battle. However, as my dear rehab specialist said – if it wasn’t for my own self-awareness, I would have gotten lost in the confusion and difficulties traumatic brain injuries cause.
I was told by so many physicians that I would never, could never or should never do so many things. Writing had always been a natural gift and reading was one of my favorite hobbies. After my TBI, I couldn’t do either. I’d stare at a blank piece of paper for hours, unable to fully articulate what I was thinking, or constantly trying to remember certain words that suddenly disappeared from my vocabulary. As for reading, well, my eyes couldn’t focus on the words – my vision was unaligned. Anything I did read was no longer absorbed. Due to this, I was often told I’d likely never be able to finish my bachelor’s degree or work full-time (especially in my chosen field – legal).
It took time, but I was able to not internalize many of the critics and criticisms. Not finish my degree? Not an option. Thankfully, due to wonderful resources for students with disabilities, I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree at MSU while working full-time, in the legal field. That alone is proof that if you do put your mind to it – even if your brain isn’t the same, it can be done.
Another blessing I have found in my brain injury experience and journey is a better appreciation for myself and life. When I was unable to express myself in words, I started painting. It’s developed into a small business that I continue to grow, as I still work full-time.
Every day is different, some more difficult than others. My TBI has made me a more empathetic, passionate and courageous person. There are no limitations if I continue to believe in myself, and I sincerely hope that for others too. I thought I had lost my identity, but I simply evolved into a better version of myself.