Wait…VIP’s not for Very Important Person
From as far back as I can remember Grampy always reminded me not to get a “Big Head” and think too highly of myself. Whether it was following a successful hockey game or a low golf score, my questions seeking commendation on “How I played?” were usually met with a comment like, “You did fair.” While at the time the ego deflation wasn’t wholly appreciated, in hindsight I really can appreciate the lesson. I hope Grampy forgives me for my assumption that when I was notified that I’d been selected as ThinkFirst’s VIP of the year for 2024, I was thinking “Very Important Person”!
I can’t remember exactly when I began speaking with ThinkFirst at their presentations to middle and high school aged students, but it’s been at least 10 years now. Each presentation to groups of students; generally a health or wellness class, consists of viewing a short video, a PowerPoint, and then an injury survivor’s firsthand story. I reconnected with Zoe McLean MSOTR/L, a former KBIC Intern and now ThinkFirst Chapter Director, and began speaking as a Voice for Injury Prevention. While I’m no expert public speaker, my involvement with Krempel’s Community Education program removed much of the fear from speaking in front of adolescents and young adults.
The goal of our community education engagements is to raise awareness about brain injury and showcase the benefits of community-based programming to survivors. I’ve been blessed to take part in the initiative since almost immediately following my joining Krempels’ amazing community in November of 2008. Because my injury was preventable, I always felt called to emphasize how making safe choices could prevent many devastating injuries and have really appreciated the opportunity to work with an organization like ThinkFirst, dedicated to just that mission.
Now back to VIP… When used by ThinkFirst, the moniker VIP stands for Voices for Injury Prevention. I had first become aware of both TF and the speaking programs when Andy participated shortly after his injury. While Andy’s story is his own and not mine to tell, it’s not lost on me of the powerful reminder of sharing just the fact that my own brother’s injury wasn’t enough of a signpost to prevent my poor decision just 15 months later. You often hear of kids feeling invincible with under-development in their brain’s PFC (Prefrontal cortex which houses judgment and impulse control), and I could be a case study. While my PFC should have been nearly mature at almost 24 years old, due to substantial trauma to the region in my crash, I find my judgment suspect at times…Probably not ideal combined with impulsivity! Regardless, I can really relate to the teenage brain not always being equipped for the decisions faced.
I hope readers don’t find this latest post completely self-congratulatory. In fact, if anything I want to acknowledge the amazing work done by the ThinkFirst organization. Facilitating ThinkFirst’s great work is the NH Chapter Director Zoe McLaen and some amazing OT’s from Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network who present along with me! I would rather be one of ThinkFirst’s Voices for Injury Prevention than a Very Important Person any day. What a blessing to be able to join with an amazing organization working to prevent brain, spinal cord and other traumatic injuries through education, research and advocacy.