Paralysed in a car crash, this US Army veteran rebuilt his life and graduated seven years later earning petroleum engineering degree

Army veteran Rocky Fernandez graduated with a petroleum engineering degree seven years after a car crash left him paralysed, overcoming years of hospital stays, rehabilitation and medical setbacks to return to education, the Times of India (TOI) reported.

Fernandez, who received support from the Houston VA and vocational services, completed his degree from Houston City College and is now preparing to begin a career in petroleum engineering.

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The accident changed plans that had once seemed straightforward for Fernandez. His recovery involved prolonged medical treatment, including a hospital stay for a serious infection, as he also adjusted to life with paralysis.

Returning to college meant managing his health challenges alongside classes, studies and everyday responsibilities. At the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, he received medical and rehabilitation support, while vocational services helped him work towards his education goals.

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Shaun Smith, Fernandez's vocational counsellor at the VA, supported him as he worked through the challenges of returning to college.

"I'm not gonna lie, it was hard to have faith after all these setbacks," Fernandez said. He eventually learned to focus on what was immediately in front of him and continue moving forward.

Fernandez also became a regular participant in wellness programmes at the Houston VA, including weekly yoga sessions. The programme included meditation, deep relaxation and sound-bowl therapy.

His recovery also shaped his interest in helping other veterans with spinal cord injuries. Dr Donna Huang, one of the physicians involved in his care, said Fernandez continued to think about how he could support others despite facing his own medical challenges.

"What stood out about taking care of Rocky was his unwavering resilience and optimism in the face of a complicated medical course with multiple setbacks," Huang said.

Seven years after the crash, Fernandez's graduation has given him a new starting point. He is now looking for opportunities in petroleum engineering and plans to build a career using the degree he worked for years to complete.

(With inputs from TOI)