MERCEDES - For many high schoolers, balancing advanced course work can be a struggle in itself.

Add to that college classes, volunteering, and a life altering accident; right before freshman year, 17-year-old Ashley Cosme's life completely changed.

She was peddling down the street on her bike, when she was hit by a speeding car; Ashley was left paralyzed.

Her teachers say even working to recover from a traumatic brain injury couldn't hold her back.

In May she'll graduate from Early College Academy, with an associate’s degree from South Texas College.

Aside from extra coursework, Ashley balances therapy, surgeries and doctors’ appointments, and still she finds time in between to volunteer with Keep Mercedes Beautiful.

For more information watch the video above.