Several days ago I wrote the article, Attending College, University and Graduate School after a Brain Injury Part 1.
In that article I shared that it took me 10 years — one junior college and 2 universities — and 4 different majors to obtain my undergraduate degree. I also shared that it took me 3 1/2 years — 2 graduate schools and 2 different graduate degree paths — to obtain my graduate degree.
Although I was able to obtain my undergraduate and graduate degrees, nevertheless, I was unable to maintain employment. Employment in both non-professional and professional jobs over the course of 20 years.
All to often, I found myself being asked to meet with supervisors, managers and/or bosses in their office (s), to be told that I was being fired, terminated or “let go”.
Feeling Like a Failure
In my experience, the issue was not because I did not work hard (because I had a strong work ethic), but for other reasons. Reasons that I left me feeling like a failure and that there was something wrong with me. Being fired, terminated and/or let go reinforced what I had been led to believe growing up — that I did not just make mistakes, but that I was a mistake.
Fighting Against Myself
Little did I know that I was living with the impact of a brain injury and an invisible disability that left me fighting against myself. Fighting against myself as I attempted to prove that I was not mistake. Fighting against myself as I attempted to gain the approval and validation of individuals who could not or would not accept that I was doing the best.
Fighting against myself for not being able to use what I had worked so hard, in the process of obtaining my undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In 1998 after completing my 2nd evaluation process with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation I was deemed to be unemployable. At the end of 1998, after my 3rd application with the Social Security Administration, I was declared disabled and began receiving SSDI.
I am Glad that I did Not Give Up
Although I was unable to maintain employment after obtaining my undergraduate and graduate degrees I am so glad that I did not give up. I am glad that I kept searching for a way to use my gifts, talents and abilities in a way that would work for me.
I am glad that I did not give up on my ongoing recovery process over the years.
Consider the Possibilities
Although I was told that I was unemployable and declared disabled, I am glad that I did not give up on possibilities.
On February 6, 2007 I created Second Chance to Live and began using my gifts, talents and abilities in ways that would work for me for the people who wanted what I had to give. To date I have written 1660 articles, created 339 video presentations and written/published 10 eBooks.
My Encouragement to You
The reason I share what I discovered through my articles, video presentations and eBooks is to encourage you — although you may too have been declared unemployable and deemed disabled — to not give up. Keep searching for ways to use your gifts, talents and abilities in ways that will work for you for the people who want what you have to give.
Don’t give up on possibilities. Don’t give up on your dreams.
Resources
Below are resources that have helped me in my ongoing holistic (body, soul and spirit) healing process in recovery. These resources may also benefit and help you in your ongoing holistic (body, soul and spirit) healing process in recovery.
Resources Available on Second Chance to Live
Today is the 50th year anniversary — August 11, 1967 — of when I sustained my open and depressed skull fracture, right frontal lobe damage and a severe brain bruise with brain stem involvement. For more about my process and journey, click: Here
To watch and listen to the presentation of the article, you may click on this link: Attending College, University and Graduate School after a Brain Injury Part 2 Video Presentation
You have my permission to share my articles and or video presentations with anyone you believe could benefit, however, I maintain ownership of the intellectual property AND my articles, video presentations and eBooks are not to be considered OPEN SOURCE. Please also provide a link back to Second Chance to Live. In the event that you have questions, please send those questions to me. All questions are good questions. I look forward to hearing from you. More Information: Copyright 2007 -2017.
trinacbradlee says
Thank you for your articles, and for your website Craig! Your encouraging, positive spirit helps so many. Your honesty in portraying your experince as a Brain Injury Survivor helps us to know that we are not alone in our struggle to overcome our disabilities. Thank you!
Second Chance to Live says
Hi Trina, You are welcome and thank you, my friend. You are a blessing to me Trina. Please share my articles with anyone whom you believe could benefit. Thank you, Trina. Have a great day. Craig