After a 16-month recovery, Josh Speidel is going to UVM

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) –  After cheating death in a car accident in February of last year, Josh Speidel is now going to college.

“It’s been a challenging year, 16 months, but its also been a blessing,” said David Speidel, Josh’s father, speaking of his son’s road to recovery.

On Thursday, Josh will finally get to live his dream and study at the University of Vermont.

“I’m very excited to get to Vermont and just keep on with this rehab, but also just go to college,” said Josh.

UVM agreed to hold his scholarship for as long as necessary as Josh recovered.

“We always felt very much at peace with that it was going to happen,” said Lisa Speidel, Josh’s mom speaking of Josh enrolling at UVM.

“It’s hard to even imagine when we talk about the very beginning and the things that happened because I think we saw so many blessings as we have went on this journey,” said David.

Josh spent 117 days in three different hospitals after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a car crash.

Since then he graduated from Columbus North High School, helped teach a 4th grade class, and recently learned how to do his own laundry.

“Every time I come home he’s improving more and more,” said Micayla Speidel, Josh’s sister.

The last time we spoke with Josh he was playing basketball while holding on to a walker. Monday he was walking and shooting on his own.

“I think it will be really good for him just to see how it will help him to keep going in this journey and keep progressing and keep improving and getting stronger each day,” said Jamie Speidel, Josh’s sister.

Josh says he’s not ready yet to declare a major, he says he wants to try a few things out first, to see what he truly enjoys.