On February 16th, 2025, Nayan Casaverde, then a junior at BHS, suffered a skiing accident that left him temporarily unable to walk. To Nayan, it felt like his world had collapsed. Attempting a trick off of a ski jump, he fell and injured himself in the process. At first, doctors believed he had only damaged his left meniscus—a small piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. But a couple of months later, an X-ray revealed a bigger issue: a torn ACL. Nayan was shocked, thinking of all his summer plans and future goals that suddenly felt out of reach. His injury kept him from doing what he loved: soccer, mountain biking, and skiing. He was devastated, to say the very least. This injury, while physical, also took a toll on his mental health.

He felt like he was “holding others back,” and that his “summer was ruined,” he said. He was left desperate and feeling unwanted. He confessed that he often felt his sports accomplishments defined him, and without them, he faded into the abyss. He found that sports were the center of his life, the core of his friendships, and a quiet place for thoughts. He was forced to find peace and enjoyment in other activities, limited by his physical capabilities.

In May, Nayan turned to popular platforms of self-expression to document his healing journey. He focused on self-growth and accountability for his actions, rather than dwelling in his own frustration. He primarily utilizes YouTube and Instagram Reels to release small snapshots of the recovery process. His social media accounts (@back.on.track25) serve as a reminder of his dedication to growth and show the world that when you are knocked down, you get back up.

On June 16, 2025, Nayan Casaverde had his ACL surgery. Still, total recovery takes 8-9 months from the date of surgery. There is no timeline for regaining his confidence. While not back in complete confidence, Nayan notes the community catalyzed his recovery. From congratulating him at the gym to anonymously liking his post, these small acts have helped him recover. A total ACL recovery is not just seen in an X-ray, but is seen in self-confidence. Nayan turned his injury into an opportunity for growth--and to experiment with new ideas of self-expression. He better understands he is not defined by his accomplishments, but is defined by how he overcomes obstacles. Resilience is not something that can be taught in a classroom or learned about in a book. Resilience comes from the heart and is learned throughout life.