From Coma To Commencement: A Devastating Car Accident Forced Aszwan Hite To Miss His High School Graduation, Making The Journey To His Virginia State University Commencement Even Greater

After applying to VSU from a hospital bed, Hite overcame immense physical and mental challenges to reach graduation day.

Just days before his high school graduation, Aszwan Hite was in a devastating car accident that changed his life, forcing him to relearn basic movements like walking. Now, he’s preparing to walk across the stage to receive his degree from Virginia State University.

Hite, a Chesterfield native, was driving to get tickets for family members to attend his graduation when he crashed his vehicle. After the accident, he remained in a coma for two weeks and underwent two open head surgeries to relieve swelling in his brain. 

The doctors said they had no idea when he would wake up or what his condition might be.

“I don’t have any memory of what happened,” said Hite. “When I finally woke up, I was in the hospital with my head wrapped. When I realized how serious it was, it was a rock-bottom moment for me because I had no idea what my future would look like. I really didn’t know if I would make a full recovery or if I’d have to be dependent on other people for the rest of my life.”

He struggled to walk independently or perform simple motor skills while battling depression, which left him unmotivated to do his exercises.

Gradually, he began to regain his mobility, and for the first time in months, there was hope.

Going to college had always been a goal, but after his injury, he questioned whether he would ever be able to. During his two-month hospital stay, a friend told him about the VSU Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) initiative.

He attended high school within 45 miles of the Virginia State University campus and had at least a 2.5 GPA, making him eligible for free tuition. He applied and received his acceptance letter to VSU while still lying in a hospital bed.

The University was very understanding of his situation, honoring his acceptance and allowing him time to focus on his recovery. After a year of physical therapy, he was finally able to set foot on VSU’s campus.

“It was a very unreal and exciting moment,” Hite recalled. “After all the trials and tribulations to have made it through by the grace of God, I was actually attending Virginia State University. It was one of my happiest moments.”

While at VSU, Hite discovered his passion for visual storytelling, winning best videographer four times and best photographer three times at the University’s Student Organizations Awards. Using his Business Marketing degree, he plans to pursue a career in the film industry.

“VSU has played a major role in my journey, a bigger role than they would give themselves credit for,” Hite said. “Welcoming me a year after my acceptance and giving me that chance was a blessing. I wasn’t able to attend my high school graduation, so walking across that stage for the first time will be a big moment for me.”

Hite will be among approximately 850 graduates receiving their degrees during Virginia State University’s two Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, with Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones serving as keynote speakers. Both ceremonies will be live-streamed on the University’s YouTube and Facebook pages.