Simon's Speech

My name is Simon.

I have a brain injury that is an ABI. Today I want to talk to you about reaching for your goals!

My brain injury was caused by lack of oxygen to the brain and when I was 10. I got hit by a car and it shook my brain and did some major damage with all the swelling. My brain injury left me with a mostly paralyzed right hand, impaired vision and difficulties with reading and writing.

My goal in life was to get into the medical field but these limitations make it a real challenge to get to this goal. I needed support to go through school. Things that people did easily were really hard for me and it still is. I still have complications in life, but I know that the best way I can accomplish my goals is by letting people know that if you are real with yourself (and believe in yourself) then you can accomplish success. Sometimes it won't work in the most obvious way, but I really believe you can make your dreams come true if you really put your mind to it.

As I said, my dream was to get into the medical field. I did this because I really want to help people. I have members of my family who work in the medical field and that is what drew me to this area. But with my limitations I knew I couldn’t become a nurse, therapist or a doctor. But I realized I could still help people. I may struggle to read but I think I can connect with others by speaking. I may struggle with numbers, but I have a good memory that helps me remembers details about people and lets me learn things pretty easily. Also, I think I am very positive and I think I can influence others in a positive way.

At CHIRS I am a mentor. I like to help make new clients feel welcome when they first start coming to the club and to programs. I will sit with them and tell them about CHIRS as well as listen to their stories and answer their questions. I remember that I was overwhelmed when I first came to the club and I want to make sure they don’t feel the same way.

I also run a podcast program that I am very proud of. It makes me feel wonderful that I have created a platform where people from our ABI community can talk and share their opinions and stories with the world. I feel like I am giving a voice to a group that often isn’t heard.

In conclusion. Sometimes our limitations can make our goals hard to reach. But don’t be scared to find a different path. I wanted to get into medicine to help people, but I ended up helping people anyways; just in a different way. Go day by day and celebrate all your victories. Big and small.

Thanks!