From an early age, Ms Warrier wanted to become a veterinarian, following in the footsteps of a beloved family friend she called "uncle", who ran a veterinary clinic underneath their family home in India.
"As long as I can remember I was coming home to a vet clinic, so it has always been my dream," said Ms Warrier, who commenced a veterinary science degree at the University of Queensland in 2015.
But while undertaking her internship in New Zealand, Ms Warrier was critically injured in a car accident in a remote area near Queenstown on the last day of her placement.
Highlights:
- A horrific car crash left University of Queensland student Anjali Krishnaa Warrier with severe head and spine injuries
- A rigorous rehabilitation helped her to walk, talk and remember things
- Ms Warrier recently completed her veterinary science degree and bagged her first job as a vet in Queensland
The then second-year student was not wearing her seat belt when the car took a turn and rolled over multiple times. Ms Warrier was found lying injured near the wheel of the car with a broken spine, fractured pelvis, severed artery, and traumatic brain injury.
She said her only memory was getting in the car with her friends after attending a farmer's meet event.
The two friends with whom she was travelling raced in the dark to the nearest farmhouse after seeing a light from a house. Help was called and Ms Warrier was airlifted from the accident scene to the hospital after eight hours.
Anjali Krishnaa Warrier, recovering in hospital. Source: Supplied by Anjali Krishnaa Warrier
"My friend called my parents who were in India at that time. She told them that I had been airlifted to the hospital for a broken arm. So my mother panicked and immediately left India to be with me," she recalled.
Ms Warrier spent a week in an induced coma and over 30 days in intensive care. She woke up two months later in a Melbourne hospital. It took more than a year for her to recover from her accident with the help of a rigorous rehabilitation program and surgeries.
However, while learning to walk again and facing memory loss, she remained determined and focused to pursue her passion.
"The minute I came to my senses after the accident I asked my mother what would happen to my degree," she said.
Anjali Krishnaa Warrier Source: Supplied by Anjali Krishnaa Warrier
She said her memory was severely affected due to the brain injury and since she was unable to remember or retain things, going back to her studies was in no way possible.
Doctors had told my parents that my injuries were so severe that I would not be able to finish my degree
However, in 2019 Ms Warrier was allowed to recommence her studies post-recovery, and last December she successfully completed her course.
"It took me an additional two years to complete my graduation. But I think my focus was very clear which helped me to stand again and finish my studies," Ms Warrier said.
Anjali Krishnaa Warrier with her family. Source: Supplied by Anjali Krishnaa Warrier
"My parents have been my strength and support. My mother stays with me now while my father keeps visiting us from India," she said.
On 10 January, Ms Warrier managed to bag her first job as a veterinarian at a practice in Queensland.
"One thing I really want to do is to inspire people through my story and make a difference in people's and animals' lives," Ms Warrier said.
God's been very kind to me. And I want to tell others never to give up their goals no matter what
Ms Warrier said miracles do happen.
“I’m so grateful because I could have chosen to see this as a downfall, but I decided to see it as a stepping-stone instead," she said.
