Only 60 days ago, I was packing my car leaving my little white house in Douglas, GA headed for the big city of Athens. This wasn't just a regular trip to Athens, though--this trip was the first trip back (alone) in four months--to revisit my life I had left behind as a result of a horrific accident in Colorado while on a family ski vacation. While the trip going north on Georgia Route 441 was a long, tedious mind game as I pondered on my situation, I knew I had turned the page and a new era of my life was to emerge from the stale whiteness of the hospital rooms and offices.
Then, as my first class (outside LSAT prep) started, another chapter had instantly begun. My educational experience post-traumatic brain injury was something I fought from creating hardships--but deep within my soul I knew it would be much harder than I had hoped. And it is. Studying is now a long process; notecards, post-it summary notes, and reading and re-reading are now common-place; Bedtime is now at 11; and coffee and I have become GOOD friends.
So here I am. Yet again, on the corner of the last page of the current chapter. Turning it seems so mindless and expected, but it is a task that much to my dismay has created stress and second-thoughts. Since before my stint in hospitals across America resulting from a traumatic fall onto a [large] rock under the snow, I had planned a study abroad experience in Oxford, England that would embark in the middle of the summer and stretch throughout July. While the original trip was cancelled because of "lack of interest" at the University of Georgia, a new trip developed for me, and almost 3 months later, I am pulling into my driveway with a trunk full of suitcases, travel shampoo bottles, books, and charging cables [oh and don't forget the toilet paper my mom made me pack because according to a website "some of these countries you go to may not have toilet paper" (like the rest of the developed world?)]. And why has preparing for this trip been so stressful for me? Well, I took the LSAT in June--did horrible. I took an independent readings course in May and June, which I am still working on now. I took an Economics class stretching over the month of June, and my final was this morning. I have 2 classes to prepare for in Oxford, and about 5,960 (not sure if my math is perfect, but very close) pages of books to read BEFORE I arrive. And I can't pack any more than 50 pounds. So yeah, as if doing all of this doesn't sound fun enough, I had 2 major brain surgeries 4 months ago, and the scar on my head [while it looks awesome] is glaringly obvious.
As I got in my car coming towards home, I looked in my rear view mirror to see the big red truck that parks next to mine at my apartment and the little red flower pot at my door to realize that I won't see them again for 8 weeks. For some folks, this may not seem very significant, but for me, that's a LONG time! And packing for that long? Hardest thing I'VE EVER DONE. I've only been gone ONCE for a trip longer than that, yet that was a trip I had no desire to ever be on or ever go on again (2 month hospital stay) and I wasn't forced to prepare luggage for this time--unfortunately in that case I wore a lovely white hospital gown with little blue flowers all over it. for a long time. A VERY long time.
So I say all that to get one point across: Today started my trip--a 7-week stay at Oxford University in Oxfordshire, England. But even though I left Athens behind and I'm educationally and personally stressed out past the maximum, I know It'll be a great trip! I'll be studying hard, but it will be an experience of a lifetime. How many people can say they've been educated by tenured Oxford dons at the greatest and oldest educational institution in the world? How many people can say they've studied 2,000 miles from home and had the world at their fingertips for a couple months? Who can feel sure that he can intimidate ANYONE who tries to pickpocket me with the AWESOME scar i've got adorning my scalp? Not many, but I will be able to very soon.
And with a fresh roll of extra-ply toilet paper to wipe my sensitive bum, I know I'll be safe when I get there an they just "don't use toilet paper" like mom's travel site warned.
Keep up with my trip!
--Andrew
Andrew I am so looking forward to following your journey. You are already an inspiration to myself and others. You have shown us that God answers prayers and your willingness to continue on your academic path is an tribute to your character. Best wishes, take care, and keep up the good work! Love ya! Belinda Simmons
ReplyDeleteGod speed my friend. Oxford, unbelievable!! Studying may have become a chore for you but your writing has improved. Keep us all updated on your wonderful adventure.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya,
Ms. Jenny
Your mom is right -- you totally need good toilet paper! That was the first thing I noticed after coming home for the first time for college (how soft my dad's toilet paper is) -- I hope you get the opportunity to travel and see some of the beautiful places around the UK and Europe. <3
ReplyDeleteAndrew,
ReplyDeleteI really sympathized with your post-TBI struggles, especially when it comes to learning. I was still in high school when I had my TBI, but even that seemed too much to handle! I used to read all the time...but it took me 8 months to finish a book because my short-term memory and concentration were so poor. I find myself getting exhausted easily and going to bed way earlier than the average 18-year-old.
I will be praying for you these next 8 weeks!! Taking 3 high school classes 6 months after my brain injury was hard enough, I can't imagine being at Oxford! I will definitely pray for you...hope it goes well!
Callie