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May 15, 2014
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By Carole Wilbeck | Engineering
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As UNL students finished classes in May and departed campus for summer plans, one student is eager to return to campus. During December 2013’s break between fall and spring semesters, UNL agricultural engineering junior Caleb Lindhorst was in a life-threatening car accident.
The Lindsay, Neb. native woke from a coma to find the left side of his body compromised from traumatic brain injury, and is working in rehabilitative care to regain his physical abilities. Keeping him forward-focused is his goal to continue his life as a UNL student and to graduate. With visits from Nebraska Engineering Prof. Roger Hoy, Caleb completed one course this spring, and his caregivers help him progress toward resuming classes part-time this fall.
Caleb’s mother, Sherry Lindhorst, relayed her son’s responses as the UNL College of Engineering checked in with this very dedicated student.
Describe Caleb as a student – what are his interests and goals?
Sherry Lindhorst: He’s a hardworking and determined person, who enjoys school and loves to learn how to do new things. His interests are sports and farming and hanging out with family and friends.
What was the nature of the injury and how has recovery been going for Caleb?
SL: After the accident, Caleb’s doctors estimated a 10% chance of him waking up from his coma. In the past four months, he has come out of his coma and has been working in rehabilitation to regain his physical health. He regained his memory and wants to continue his college studies. He is trying very hard to be able to walk to class this fall and to regain use of his left arm.
Who are the most meaningful people in getting Caleb back to the life he wants?
SL: Dr. Roger Hoy has been taking time to come to Omaha twice a week to teach Caleb. Caleb’s friends at UNL, especially those on the Quarter Scale Tractor Team, have been very encouraging, along with support from Caleb’s family and community. Mike Pitz has gone through this kind of experience and has inspired Caleb to never give up hope. Another of Caleb’s heroes is the baseball player, Jackie Robinson.
During recovery: What has frustrated you? What has inspired you?
Caleb Lindhorst: It’s hard not being able to walk and write neatly, and having difficulties using my left hand and arm. What has inspired me is my family and the joy of getting back to UNL and enjoy life like I used to. I want to thank Dr. Hoy and the other faculty who have come to help me with my classes.
What did studies at UNL mean to you: before the accident? What do they mean now, after?
CL: Before, it was just class. Now it’s a step and progress toward the ultimate goal of being back at UNL and finishing my degree. I will never again take anything for granted—from putting on deodorant and brushing my teeth to walking.
What are your hopes going forward?
SL: We are hoping he can start where he left off and graduate with an agricultural engineering degree from UNL.
The Lindsay, Neb. native woke from a coma to find the left side of his body compromised from traumatic brain injury, and is working in rehabilitative care to regain his physical abilities. Keeping him forward-focused is his goal to continue his life as a UNL student and to graduate. With visits from Nebraska Engineering Prof. Roger Hoy, Caleb completed one course this spring, and his caregivers help him progress toward resuming classes part-time this fall.
Caleb’s mother, Sherry Lindhorst, relayed her son’s responses as the UNL College of Engineering checked in with this very dedicated student.
Describe Caleb as a student – what are his interests and goals?
Sherry Lindhorst: He’s a hardworking and determined person, who enjoys school and loves to learn how to do new things. His interests are sports and farming and hanging out with family and friends.
What was the nature of the injury and how has recovery been going for Caleb?
SL: After the accident, Caleb’s doctors estimated a 10% chance of him waking up from his coma. In the past four months, he has come out of his coma and has been working in rehabilitation to regain his physical health. He regained his memory and wants to continue his college studies. He is trying very hard to be able to walk to class this fall and to regain use of his left arm.
Who are the most meaningful people in getting Caleb back to the life he wants?
SL: Dr. Roger Hoy has been taking time to come to Omaha twice a week to teach Caleb. Caleb’s friends at UNL, especially those on the Quarter Scale Tractor Team, have been very encouraging, along with support from Caleb’s family and community. Mike Pitz has gone through this kind of experience and has inspired Caleb to never give up hope. Another of Caleb’s heroes is the baseball player, Jackie Robinson.
During recovery: What has frustrated you? What has inspired you?
Caleb Lindhorst: It’s hard not being able to walk and write neatly, and having difficulties using my left hand and arm. What has inspired me is my family and the joy of getting back to UNL and enjoy life like I used to. I want to thank Dr. Hoy and the other faculty who have come to help me with my classes.
What did studies at UNL mean to you: before the accident? What do they mean now, after?
CL: Before, it was just class. Now it’s a step and progress toward the ultimate goal of being back at UNL and finishing my degree. I will never again take anything for granted—from putting on deodorant and brushing my teeth to walking.
What are your hopes going forward?
SL: We are hoping he can start where he left off and graduate with an agricultural engineering degree from UNL.
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With his family and caregivers along, Caleb navigated in a wheelchair to the Quarter Scale Team’s workspace in the Splinter Labs, part of UNL’s Tractor Test Lab facilities at East Campus. The team gathered to show Caleb their progress during the winter months, and soon the students brought the 2014 tractor to the test track outside. With excitement and enthusiasm they lifted Caleb into the driver’s seat, and team members flanked both sides of the tractor as Caleb took the creation for a short drive. -
With his family and caregivers along, Caleb navigated in a wheelchair to the Quarter Scale Team’s workspace in the Splinter Labs, part of UNL’s Tractor Test Lab facilities at East Campus. The team gathered to show Caleb their progress during the winter months, and soon the students brought the 2014 tractor to the test track outside. With excitement and enthusiasm they lifted Caleb into the driver’s seat, and team members flanked both sides of the tractor as Caleb took the creation for a short drive. -
With his family and caregivers along, Caleb navigated in a wheelchair to the Quarter Scale Team’s workspace in the Splinter Labs, part of UNL’s Tractor Test Lab facilities at East Campus. The team gathered to show Caleb their progress during the winter months, and soon the students brought the 2014 tractor to the test track outside. With excitement and enthusiasm they lifted Caleb into the driver’s seat, and team members flanked both sides of the tractor as Caleb took the creation for a short drive.
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