Making the Choice

by Jessica Bernhard

The definition of "invincible" in the American Heritage Dictionary is simply, unconquerable. The word invincible refers to those superheroes you marveled at when you were younger: Batman, Superman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.

The concept of being invincible, of being able to handle any situation at any time is one teenagers seem to feel. I can go anywhere, do anything and nothing will affect me or touch me seems to be the mantra of teenagers. They hear about kids who get into accidents driving drunk, kids who suffer their first and last high with cocaine, and they dismiss it. "That happens to someone else. It could never happen to me. I'm invincible! I can handle it."

Life, however, is full of consequences, and a wrong decision can change your life forever. Brandon Silveria learned this the unfortunate way when he decided to go to a party after a long day of sports and work. He thought, what are a few beers going to do to me, I'm invincible, I can handle it. He was tired from a long day. Exhaustion coupled with beer spelled disaster.

That night, coming home from a party, he wrapped his car around a tree and suffered irreparable damage to himself and his family. Brandon slept in a coma for two and a half months. Nurses fought every second to keep him alive. The real challenge came, however, when Brandon passed out of the coma. He had to relearn the things we take for granted: things like walking, talking, eating and swallowing.

(Left to right) Brandon Silveria, reporter Jessica Bernhard and Brandon's Dad


"That happens to someone else. It could never happen to me. I'm invincible! I can handle it."