“USING WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH TO
Hello, my name is Kyle Blassingame. I am a senior majoring in exercise science with a minor in business administration. On the night of Friday, July 19, my life changed forever. Four years ago, it was time to decide where to attend college and I had plans to leave my hometown to try something new; however, after touring campus I knew that TWU was my home for the next four years. I found numerous ways to get involved with athletics and organizations, including track and field, cheerleading team, Delta Zeta Phi, Student Government Association, student orientation coordinator, orientation leader, peer mentor, Student Ambassador, Hackberry and Oak Society, Health and Human Performance Club and National Society of Leadership and Success.
10 | ARCHES
Inspire Others”
Being involved was one of the most important things for me in college as it allowed me to grow into an adult, meet my friends and grow as a leader. I have also found opportunities to participate in community service in the Athens community, out of state and out of the country while being at TWU. I love serving because I have always said if something were to happen to me, I would want people to help me and that’s why I always give back! If I had not attended TWU I would not have had these same opportunities.
On July 19 I was on vacation with Lane Lusk, a fellow TWU student,
and we were involved in a tragic car accident. Another vehicle was stolen by a teenager and a high-speed chase ensued, resulting in us being hit head on. Devastatingly, Lane passed away and I was severely injured from head to toe, including injuries to my right ankle, right knee, both femurs and my right hand. The right femur broke through the skin at the knee causing significant damage. I woke up Sunday morning in the hospital with no memory of the accident, only to the sight of my parents explaining what all had happened to us. They showed me photos of the car looking like a crushed cube. They informed me I was trapped for a couple of hours. At that point, I had already had my first major surgery to repair as many of the injuries as possible. I spent 12 days at Medical University of South Carolina. I was more than excited to finally return home to my family and friends, though I knew this would be a long journey. I was extremely happy to finally be home and recovering, so that I would be able to be up and doing things I would in my everyday life; however, I was consistently running a 102-degree fever. I had to begin home health with
