Post by delboy on Jun 6, 2014 20:15:00 GMT -8
I hope this may be of some inspiration to others whom have suffered SCI.
I was injured 4 years ago and became paralysed waist down
Since then i have continued in my full time job as a lecturer however my change in life style did need some major adaptations. Unable to teach and assess plumbing and Electrical practicals on a purely professional level i have opted to extend my theoretical knowledge by doing an evening degree course, this is the final year so far so good especially after 25 years not doing advanced maths.
I have now taken on higher level students mostly related to design courses, with both the degree certification and past hands on knowledge of being a private building turn key contractor putting me not only on par with other able lecturers but in extra too. I was back to work in under 3 months post injury. Installed a house lift, bought an adapted car, an adapted wheelchair made alterations to my home. Had just installed a luxury kinky bathroom which i had to remove and adapt for chair use too. I ve made all my teaching notes digital and use powerpoints which have served well. Par of esteem is when one student of mine who is a footballer training at the some football ground that i myself had installed the floodlighting system over 8 years ago which i am proud to say is still going strong. I had won the tender bid and consider it as a great achievement. The student had saw pictures of me near the town major on its opening day and was curious about my connections to the ground.Point is I'd more than probably do it again for the same pay rates.
the place i was injured in was my own private building project which i have now continued and near completion. I can't say it was easy, other problems beyond my control such as dealing with the mental issues of loosing walking, BB, and sexual intimacy have taken their toll on my mental well being. However i ve nearly nearly achieved two goals that i did not achieve as abled. Obtaining a degree in building services and opening a private Business . Next year i intend to take on evening class students meaning i will leave home a 7am and be back by 8.30pm. The only difference from this year is that i will now be getting paid for the extra hours
I do this because i want to. Maybe not being injured the sky truly was the limit, i had an advantage of already being established got injured at 43 while i am now 47 still many good years ahead and a daughter to raise into womanhood.
As for advise to the SCI the key principle is adapt, adapt adapt. after all thats why we humans are still here and the dinosaurs extinct.