Nearly three years ago in October 2010, Roy Robert Reed and a friend were driving home in the early morning near Gainesville, Florida. Suddenly, the car was struck by a wild animal, forcing Roy Robert Reed’s friend, the driver, to lose control of the vehicle. The resulting accident and injuries proved to be a crushing blow to Roy Robert Reed, an ambitious young businessman in the prime of his life. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says Roy Robert Reed. Roy Robert Reed recalls, “I was so scared and confused.” Supported by friends and family in this desperate hour, Roy Robert Reed is thankful for all the help he received in the wake of this horrible accident.

Determined to beat the odds, Roy Robert Reed engaged in months of physical therapy, treasuring every breath throughout the process. “It really scared me. I was just happy to be alive,” recalls Roy Robert Reed. Now, a healthy 26-year-old graduate student, Roy Robert Reed reflects upon the struggles of that time and looks forward to the future.

And a bright future it is, as recently Roy Robert Reed was accepted into the school of his dreams: the University of Florida. A top ranking university rich in history and accomplishment, Roy Robert Reed is overwhelmed and humbled by the faith the faculty of the University of Florida have in his abilities. Roy Robert Reed is pursuing a master’s degree in finance, and continues to work in the corporate environment, always climbing the professional ladder.

A successful businessman prior to his acceptance at the university, Roy Robert Reed is a firm believer that his ordeal with the car accident served to be a crucial turning point in his life. Always going above and beyond in the professional and academic realms, Roy Robert Reed even surprised himself with his remarkable recovery. “It was definitely a long process, and it taught me a lot about patience and not taking anything for granted,” says Roy Robert Reed.

Having a desire to inspire others in similar situations, Roy Robert Reed hopes to provide comfort and hope to those also facing great struggles as the result of an unexpected accident.