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Jeffery Holly

By Natalie Quinn H. | Photos by Bobby Lacey

Determination erased the impossible and created unimaginable opportunities for one Valdosta State University student. Jeffery Vincent Holly, a 25 year-old senior, was forced to start his life from scratch merely 5 years ago following a tragic car accident on June, 4, 2002. As a result of the accident, Holly lost the entire left frontal lobe of his brain and although he cannot remember the events of that day, the effects will plague him for the rest of his life.

Holly's brain injury caused him to lose most of his memory as well as his ability to walk or talk. His face was dramatically deformed with his eye positioned near his ear. A titanium plate was put into his head, which prevented the perfect alignment of his left eye, but gave the shape back to his head. While lying in a hospital bed for a little over two years, time slowly progressed as he began to wiggle his fingers and toes. The time finally came when his small progressions led to an ability to walk again.

Before the accident, Jeffery was a prime athlete who played a variety of sports including soccer, basketball and track, but the accident brought a halt to his athletic career. This turn of events led to confusion in his life; he felt as if he had lost his identity. In search of a new direction, he decided to attend college.

Three years after the accident, he began as a student at VSU. He discovered an interest in the arts and unexpectedly found himself beginning an amazing line of accomplishments. He was named Best of Show at the 2002 Student Art show, awarded honorable mention for a self-portrait at the 2007 Student Art show, participated in The Drawing Project in 2007, and received first place in the 2008 Student Art Show. All of these rewards have meant the world to Holly, but his most endearing achievement, his own art show, still remains on display today in VSU's University Center.

Just five years ago Holly was a star athlete, yet one tragic day became an unexpected blessing in disguise. The accident led him to choose a different path in life — one that has rewarded him in ways he never imagined.

Name: Jeffery Vincent Holly
Academic Year: senior
Academic Standing/GPA: 2.8
Expected Graduation: Spring ‘09
Degree Objective: BA in Art with a minor in Anthropology
Employer: Freelance artist
Hometown: Warner Robins, Ga.
High school: Northside High school

My favorite things to do on campus are… experiencing life. It’s not even hard to find, because it’s staring at us right in the middle of our face. I highly enjoy walking around campus and listening to live music, hanging out with people that are full of promise (they make me feel pretty), thinking out loud, singing out loud, being loud, apologizing, making myself present at art shows, listening to anthropology lectures, being a part of the middle of the beat.

When I have free time, I like… to paint, to draw, to read Henry David Thoreau, being one with nature and attempting to speak different languages.

My favorite professor was… Harry Ally, he’s my gem.

My favorite class was… creative writing.

If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with… American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, an authentic individual.

If I knew I could not fail, I would…continue being who I am, there’s really nothing more.

The three words that best describe me are… authentic, eclectic, and original.

Growing up, the person I looked up to the most was… my mother, the most determined individual ever! I’ve seen her in places that just aren’t real to me. Places that make no sense at all, but, somehow, she makes the most sense to me.

The thing that I will miss the most about college is… losing that precious time with others, conversing with educated teachers and classmates, inside and outside of the classroom, and going to local pubs.

After graduation, I plan to… simply continue life and recognize all of the intrinsic things that surround my proximity.

Some unique things about me are… I love to walk. Walking is like my drug. And I have to listen to music; it smoothes me down and sets the mood. Drawing and painting come natural to me. I’m constantly trying to find my way and this leads me to places like waffle house (I’ve been to many), volleyball games, my friend’s couches (I’m pro-couch surfing). I also love going to different beaches with my beautiful friend, Mary Moua.

I chose my major because…okay, at first, I was so afraid of art. Anything that had to do with it was terrifying. Making art was not my thing. Never before had I ever thought of becoming an art major. But once I did, I found out that it was everything I was. It’s cathartic. It’s romantic. It’s empty and at the same time full of love. It’s me. The reason why I chose to becoming an art major was because it was a realization of who I am.

My favorite childhood memory is… memory? How about memories! Usually, I would say: “I’ve lost that part of my brain (car accident), so I don’t know. But, I truly, truly miss the wonderful times I spent with my most loving friend from Pakistan, Irafan Kassam. We had more than moments; we spent years with one another. At such a young age, eight to fourteen, we learned everything from how to play street hockey together to knocking out science projects in two days time! He was awesome. I miss those childhood memories.

My biggest supporter in life is… my family and friends- they are a part of me, and, they too, have taught me the things I know.