Even in the face of adversity, a fighter never gives in.

T.J. Schneider is a fighter.

Less than a month after suffering head injuries from a potentially fatal car accident, Schneider, a former ISU student and Government of the Student Body senator, is back on his feet and well on his way to complete recuperation.

“I feel great,” said Schneider, sophomore in marketing and management information systems from Kilgore, Neb. “I still get tired easily, but I am back to myself again.”

En route to a Christmas gathering at his girlfriend’s house in a neighboring city, Schneider lost control of his vehicle when he hit a patch of black ice, sending his car spinning off the country road and into a tree.

“I don’t remember the accident,” Schneider said. “Luckily, it was the passenger side that hit the tree.”

Although he doesn’t recall the accident and there are no known witnesses, it is speculated that the impact of the collision sent Schneider flying against the steering wheel, snapping back his head, he said.

“A UPS guy found me about 20 to 30 minutes after I crashed, and it was another 45 minutes before the ambulance got there,” the former RCA senator said.

From the ambulance, Schneider was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, S.D., where he was placed in the intensive care unit. A trauma team was waiting at the hospital.

“During the ride, I was in and out [of consciousness],” Schneider said. “They weren’t sure if I was going to make it.”

For nine nerve-racking days, Schneider was monitored in intensive care. Because his lungs were bruised in the accident, he was attached to a respirator and a feeding tube, he said. While in intensive care, pressing questions arose as to the extent of Schneider’s recovery, he learned later. His mental capacity, memory and ability to talk remained in jeopardy as the days went by.

On New Year’s Eve, he was moved out of ICU because his condition was far better than that of other intensive care patients, and the room was in demand, he said. Schneider remained in the hospital, undergoing tests and being treated with codeine for his intense headaches, he said.

A CAT scan revealed liquid in his head, and Schneider underwent surgery to drain the fluid. The following three days were spent in therapy, and he was finally released from the hospital Jan. 7.

For three weeks following the accident, Schneider received check-ups and additional therapy, he said.

Schneider said the medical care he received from Rosebud Ambulance and the Rapid City hospital was “excellent.”

“They were really good to me,” he said. “I don’t know if I was the best patient.”

Even if he were not an ideal patient, Schneider is making an ideal recovery.

Though he is still occasionally plagued by drowsiness and severe headaches, Schneider keeps his head and hopes high. Although he will not be able to return to Iowa State for the spring semester, he has his sights set on making a triumphant comeback in the fall.

“I miss the people,” he said. “I miss hanging out with my friends. All the people I met were just great. I love going to school there, and I can’t wait to be back in the fall.”

Despite his dramatic recovery, Schneider can’t yet return to his usually active lifestyle.

As a GSB senator, Schneider was instrumental in developing and getting approval for a bill to switch GSB election voting from paper ballots to electronic polling. In addition, he served on the GSB/Inter-Residence Hall Association committee on the ISU Department of Residence.

Although his role of senator took up much of his time, Schneider still found time to take positions on Freshman Council, the Leadership Enrichment Action Program, the Freshman Honors Program and New Student Days.

“I miss GSB a lot,” Schneider said. “The senators are all great. I know they are going to have a busy semester.”

Since the elections for next year’s GSB positions are this spring, Schneider will not be able to run for Senate. However, if a spot is left open, he has a chance to fill it next fall.

Despite a scar from the surgery incision and his shaved head, both serving as subtle reminders of that December night, Schneider shows no signs of the trauma he has overcome. His hopes of returning to Iowa State and regaining his active lifestyle are supported by his unconquerable spirit and determined attitude.

“I feel excellent,” he said. “I’m sure it won’t be hard to get involved again.”