A local high school student is still recovering after a major crash more than two weeks ago.

Stuti Jawahar, 17, was on her way to school on January 15 when she hit a patch of ice, lost control and crashed into a light pole. The C.E. Byrd High School senior sustained severe trauma to her brain.

But Stuti's Father, Ajay Jawahar, says it could have been much worse. Considering the damage to the car, Ajay says she's lucky to be alive.

"I have come to strongly believe that even in that most unfortunate hour or minute, God was with her and protecting her," said Jawahar.

Stuti's doctors didn't expect her to survive after 72 hours. They also didn't believe she would ever breathe without a ventilator again.

But 17 days later, Stuti is breathing on her own. And last week she began moving her hands and is responsive. She's still in a semi-conscious state and her parents are praying she'll regain full consciousness soon.

Stuti is listed in serious condition at LSU Health Shreveport.