Getting Ahead of My Head Injury

This Past week at ONU feels strange. After a concussion on Tuesday, things are slowly catching back up with me. It’s crazy to think that one week could be busy at the same time everything grinds to a halt. Thank goodness for the professors and friends that are helping me along the way. I learned a couple valuable lessons from this experience that I’d like to share.

1.      Always wear a helmet: I was traveling a distance less than a football field on my bike when this accident happened. I couldn’t predict that my front wheel would fall off. I could have taken better precautions to protect my head before I left. My helmet is on campus and I passed by it on my way out the door, thinking that nothing would happen is such a short amount of time or space. Make the choice to look goofy if it keeps you safe.

2.      Choose your friends wisely: When bad stuff happens, know who will be around you when the time comes. Since I live over two hours away from the family, I had great friends fill in for them. I got a ride home from the ER plus a milkshake courtesy of my pal, Joey and my other friend Elliot checked on me throughout the night to make sure I was stable. I hope that everyone out there has people to count on like this. I know how much it means to me.

3.      Talk to Professors: Injuries are no fun. Neither is missing class when you have assignments piling up. All of my professors understood my issue and some generously offered extra time to recuperate before tests. While every person is different, communication is key in making sure that the people around you can work with you instead of being in the dark.

What fun injury stories do you have from college? I hope you recovered well! I know these points I make are obvious, but sometimes it’s the easiest things that can help the most.