The Difficulties, Opportunities and Challenges of Returning to School

The Difficulties, Opportunities and Challenges of Returning to SchoolA spinal cord injury and recovery from such an injury is difficult enough, but people with these injuries are instantly confronted with other challenges as well. One of those challenges is employment and education. Ron Moore has worked at Kessler hospital for years and is in the process pursuing a degree in counseling. He wants to share his experience and help others overcome challenges that he has faced. Below is an interview with Ron Moore. Hopefully you can gain inspiration and knowledge from his experience. Charles Fleisher: Tell me about your activities, interests and occupation before your injury?Ronald Moore: I was a carpenter for 12 years before my injury and started that occupation a week after graduating high school. At that time I was not interested in going to college, but when I turned 26 I stared taking night courses at Essex County College because I wanted a career change. I was taking two courses a semester. In terms of recreational activities I would go to a gym 3 to 4 times a week because I was very health conscious, I used to roller blade often and went to the beach often. I also did some skiing in the winter months but not much. Charles Fleisher: In a way you feel comfortable, please explain how your accident happen and how old were you?Ronald Moore: It was 1994 and I was 30. I was horsing around with some friends and I fell off a dock into shallow water and broke my neck.Charles Fleisher: How long did it take to go back to school and where did you start?Ron Moore: It took two years and I went back to Essex County College, then College of Staten Island due to a move to Staten Island, then Fairleigh Dickinson University due to a move back to NJ, then Rutgers Newark for graduate school and finally Montclair State for graduate school.Charles Fleisher: When did you start going to classes at a physical location?Ron Moore: 9/1996Charles Fleisher: What has your college experience been like post injury?Ron Moore: Overall it has been fine with schools and teachers making accomodations when needed.Charles Fleisher: Are you glad you went back?Ron Moore: yesCharles Fleisher: What are your goals for your education?Ron Moore: To become a certified counselor