They told me that three blood clots had formed in my brain and that one had burst, causing the stroke. They had to remove 30% of my brain mass to eliminate them. The prognosis was not at all encouraging. The doctors said I could lose my vision, be left a vegetable, or even die. When I woke up from the coma, I only weighed 30 kilograms. I was not eating, speaking or moving.

The prognosis was not at all encouraging. The doctors said I could lose my vision, be left a vegetable, or even die.

I was very active before my stroke. I played football four days a week, I rode my bike, I went out a lot with friends, and I was rarely home. I was a good student. I took notes very easily and I got good marks on my exams simply by listening in class, because I understood and I memorized almost everything.

The doctors were surprised by my evolution and to see that I was able to speak and move the way I do. The left side of my body was largely paralysed and I have very little vision in that eye; but now I can do almost everything myself. Still, they told my mother that I would never be able to continue studying, to finish secondary school and go to university like I’d wanted.

The doctors told my mother I would never be able to continue studying, to finish secondary school and go to university 

My mother held out hope that I would be able to go back to school by Christmas. She thought that I was smart and that the fact that I was missing part of my brain did not mean that I no longer was. She was sure that I had the necessary capabilities to continue studying and she did not want my life to have to change so much or for me to be limited. She believed in me and she helped me so I could continue to do what I liked doing.

I used to always take notes in class. Now, though, it is hard for me to do that and to pay attention at the same time, because I write very slowly. So, I listen and write down the key ideas. Also, I never miss class, and by listening, I memorize things, too.

I have to go to rehabilitation every day, which leaves me less time to study. My mother and my sister, who also studied law, help me do it. They read me the syllabus and I memorize it. Sometimes, my mother says to me: ‘When you finish your degree, I’m going to earn one.’ They read it to me two or three times, which helps me learn it, and then I sit the exam.

My mother and my sister, who also studied law, help me study. They read me the syllabus and I memorize it. 

I would have liked to have studied Business Management and Administration, but the part of my brain affected by the stroke was the numerical part, so my math skills are lower than average now.

However, the part used for memory is intact, so I decided to study law because a law degree would afford me similar career opportunities. Also, it was what my sister studied, so she would be able to help me.

I like the seminars, because I can participate. They allow me to think and solve specific problems. UPF has behaved very well towards me. I have never received any sort of preferential treatment, but the university understands my situation and helps me. Plus, I have never felt excluded, and I have always had the feeling that I am just another student in class and at the university.

UPF has behaved very well towards me. I have never received any sort of preferential treatment, but the university understands my situation and helps me 

I would like to work at a company, even though I am not yet entirely sure. I wouldn’t mind being a lawyer either, because it would allow me to reason and think. When I complete my degree, the first thing I will do is look at the job market and see what opportunities are available to me, and then I will decide.

I think it is very important to take a relative view. Before the stroke, I would worry a lot about unimportant things, like whether Barça had lost a match. Now, when I am faced with a problem, I think: all right, I do not like this, but I have to try to solve it. I don’t make a big deal out of it and I have learned to value things.