Before his accident, John Robertson was a promising sheet metal student with grades in the 90s. After his accident, he had to relearn everything—including basic mathematics. This is the story of how a traumatic brain injury interrupted his education and how he fought to reclaim his skills.
The Promise of the Trade
John had just completed his second term of sheet metal trade at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. He’d passed both terms with 90s. He was on track to become a skilled tradesman, a career that promised stability and pride.
“I was 22 years old at the time, and I did have a little bit of a temper,” John writes. That temper, tragically, would derail his life.
The Accident
The accident happened the day after John finished his second term. He’d successfully completed his studies. He was celebrating. And then, in a moment of rage and impulsivity, he walked into traffic.
The Hospital Stay
John spent 51 days in the hospital. After coming out of his coma, he had to relearn basic skills:
- Walking
- Talking
- Eating
- Using his hands
“Once I came out of the coma, I just thought that if I could get to my feet, I could walk. So, I tried. I got to my feet, and sure enough, I fell down and broke two ribs.”
The Math Struggle
One of the most significant educational challenges John faced was with mathematics. The brain injury had damaged his memory and his ability to process numbers. “I did have to get some tutoring to get some math issues I had with my memory loss sorted out.”
He describes the experience as feeling “like I was back in public school, trying to regain what mathematics I did have logged into my memory.”
The Return to Trade School
John eventually went back to trade school. It was difficult, but he was determined. “I did work hard, but I had fun too, though I should have concentrated more on school.”
He passed and got his license for sheet metal work. “As soon as my certification came in the mail, I got the going rate for a journeyman. It was a substantial raise.”
The Red Seal Loss
But the accident had stolen something from John that he could never get back: his Red Seal certification. The Red Seal is the highest level of certification for trades in Canada. John believes he would have received it if not for the accident.
“This accident that I had in 1984 also prevented me from getting a Red Seal on my license for sheet metal. With the grades I was getting before, I am sure I would have received the Red Seal.”
The Education That Continued
John’s education didn’t stop with his formal training. Over the years, he continued to learn:
- HVAC systems: He became an expert installer
- Construction management: He ran major projects
- Business skills: He owned and operated businesses
- People skills: He learned to manage crews
The Legacy of Learning
Despite the challenges, John’s education served him well. He was able to work in his trade for decades, run major projects, and support his family.
The Cost of the Accident
John estimates that the accident cost him not just the Red Seal, but:
- Time with his family
- Thousands of dollars in lost earnings
- Countless opportunities for advancement
- The career path he’d planned
The Lesson
John’s educational journey teaches us:
- Learning can happen at any age: John went back to school after his accident
- Disabilities don’t have to stop you: John learned to work around his limitations
- Persistence pays off: He kept trying even when it was hard
- Formal education isn’t everything: He learned more on the job than in any classroom
- The cost of lost opportunities: The accident took away things that can’t be replaced
Conclusion
John Robertson’s education was interrupted by a catastrophic accident. He had to relearn basic skills, struggled with memory issues, and lost the opportunity to earn his Red Seal. But he didn’t give up. He went back to school, earned his certification, and built a career that he could be proud of. His story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of never giving up on your education.
