In 2011, when Asha was 18 years old, she was working as a horse trainer. One evening the horse tripped over and landed on top of Asha. She lost consciousness and was aware as the horse dragged her for 30 metres. She experienced broken bones, a punctured lung and neurological damage. 

“My biggest challenge is I had a bleed on the brain and a brain stem injury.”  

“Brain Injury is what a lot of people are struggling with, and I guess it’s obviously because it’s something that you can’t really see. It’s different to when someone’s wearing a cast or on crutches.” 

The accident was 13 years ago and just last year Asha started riding horses again. “Now I’ve got two horses of my own, which is really nice.” 

Going to University 

After taking time to heal, Asha decided to go start her studies at university but found the experience harder than she had expected.  

“I decided to pursue my studies, and I found that really hard. Previously, I thought it would have been a lot easier, but because of my number processing issues and my short-term memory, even my focus was affected by my brain injury.” 

“I had a really hard time because I was getting pushed back and felt like I needed to do double the work to get on the same playing field as everyone else. And sometimes I’d feel like I should just not do this, but I finally persevered.” 

Once Asha discovered the support available from her university, she began to thrive. 

“Having learning plans in place with the university was really essential. It’s important for people with brain injuries to know that they can go on to have a career and study.” 

While volunteering in a program at university, Asha made a connection with a colleague in Germany. When she finished her degree, he hired her as a team leader.  

“It was huge for me because he knew my background. I felt like I worked so hard, and it showed me there are opportunities for everyone. Once you put the work in, you’re not going to be rejected just because you have a brain injury. There are people who are willing to take you on, and that’s where you want to be. You don’t want to pursue working or in relationships where you feel it’s something bad.” 

Finding Happiness 

Conversations with Asha bring a sense of joy and motivation. She offers encouraging advice to those facing challenges. 

“I’m still learning so much about my own TBI and how it’s challenged my learning journey and parenting journey, and I just want others to know that life is still possible with TBI.” 

“Let yourself take the time because it does take time. It’s a huge adjustment. Sometimes you feel like it’s you not being able to cope, but it’s not you. It’s something that’s happened to you and you will learn to live with it. But the most important lesson I found is you can do the things that you once loved and you might not be as good at them, but they will make you happy.” 

“You learn to find the small joys in things and laugh at yourself when you’re messing up. Instead of getting frustrated.” 

“One of those things is horse riding. Another thing is I tried surfing again. I was absolutely awful. But it was so funny because like every time I stand up, I’d fall off. It was heaps of fun.” 

“I’m nowhere near what I used to be in any of those things, but I love them so much they bring me happiness. That’s something that I’ve learned. To live with the happiness, it brings you and not to your capacity to do them.”