JOE
In August of 2001, Joe crashed while riding his bicycle and incurred a mild traumatic brain injury. He was wearing a helmet which lessened the damage. At age 40, he enrolled at UNH to pursue a degree in Recreational Management. He loves the campus environment but is investing significant energy learning to successfully complete his courses. Although he physically looks the same, there are dramatic differences in the way his brain works now and how he approaches his academic and personal life. Still an avid biker, Joe hopes to lead bike trips in America and Europe after he graduates.
Read All of Joe's Story
or click below for individual sections
The Challenges of a Head Injury
Returning to School with a Head Injury
Choosing a Career Path
Strategies
The Benefits of Asking for Help
Being Emotionally Alive
Future Goals
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RETURNING TO
SCHOOL WITH A HEAD INJURY
I am learning how to be a student again. It is not coming naturally. A lot of energy and effort is going in to try to figure it out. My reference points aren’t valid anymore. Before my brain injury, I could tell you how much time I was going to put into an assignment, when I would start, and when I would be done. I could predict it all for you and it would come true, guaranteed. Now the challenge for me is I can try to predict it but my ability to get that outcome is very discouraging. I realize it is a process. I’m learning new ways to accomplish the same tasks. There is definite progress. As long as I stay committed and I don’t give up, I know it is doable. I am confident that I will succeed. I will do whatever I need to do. I get an “A” in confidence!