A Stamford High School student who lost his leg after a car slammed through the wall of his job made a triumphant return to class Friday.

The school community celebrated Erwin Hernandez's return with a pep rally.

The 18-year-old senior got a standing ovation when he walked into the gym using crutches.

"Everything is in the mind, you know," he said. "I know everybody's strong, and I'm trying to be an example for them."

The honor student moved to the United States two years ago without most of his family. He was working 40 hours a week to send money home to his mom, on top of keeping up his grades.

On the day after Christmas, he was working at the Table 104 restaurant when a car drove into the kitchen, seriously injuring him. Doctors had to amputate his leg above the knee.

"It was really, really tough, because I didn't see the car behind me," he says. "I just feel the heat."

The school community has also set up fundraisers and a GoFundMe page to help Hernandez out. He says he's thankful for the efforts.