Leah Thorp, 18, Mariner High School graduate

Published 9:00 pm Monday, July 10, 2006

Things happen: Hit by a school bus October 2005, four days before birthday. Suffered collapsed lung, broken ribs and paralyzed left leg. Didn’t go back to Mariner High School until April.

First thought: “This is gonna hurt really bad and I am gonna to die.”

After effects: Panic attack when any big vehicle goes by. Being in pain and being stressed about being stuck in bed and not being able to do school work.

Silver lining: Presents! Lots of toys and even a new laptop.

Miracle: Began walking in February, five months earlier than the doctor’s prediction

Back to school: “I had to do three to four hours of work per day to catch up.”

Graduation: Being able to participate in the commencement ceremony with a cane rather than a wheelchair.

Lesson learned: “If something is bigger than you are, it has the right of way.”

Self-description: “Eclectic, random, unique, freaking stubborn.”

Music tastes: Punk, metal, hip-hop, country. Has more than 36 hours of music in the computer.

Favorite music “Waltz Moore” by From First to Last.

Favorite author: Neil Gaiman

Family bond: “My dad is like my rock. He keeps me from going over the edge.”

10 years from now? Hopes to teach English at a high school

Coolest moment: Coming home from hospital.

Super Kid is taking the rest of summer off and will return in September.