by Marc Ross
My name is Marc Ross and on June 21st, 1998 (when I was 17), I became a C 5 quadriplegic with limited shoulder movement and weak biceps. Since then, I have been struggling against debilitating health problems which have necessitated, over the past few years, several operations and countless visits to doctors and hospitals. Being almost completely paralyzed has drastically reduced my mobility and other than being able to brush my teeth, use my voice-activated computer and eat with the help of splints, I am entirely dependent on others.
Following the months of physical rehabilitation and therapy at Foothills Hospital after my injury, I decided to return to school. I graduated from high school in 1999 and then completed my BA and MSc in Psychology at the U of C. During these years, thanks to various grants and scholarships, I was able to persist in my studies of psychology with the firm objective of eventually obtaining my Ph.D. Recently I was accepted into the Ph.D. Program in Educational Contexts (fall 2009). Getting back into my studies might not sound like "active living" but let me guarantee you that it is. It takes discipline, perseverance, physical stamina, mental concentration, a desire to roll out in -30° weather to catch the C. train or the bus in order to get to class on time, and so on. So, although my experiences have a large educational component to them, they engage me on every level: physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual.
The university setting has been a positive environment for me to learn and grow since my accident. The world of academics has not only helped me adapt well to my disability, but it has also helped me to train my mind in the art of dealing with problems. The study of Psychology has allowed me to understand more about myself and I am becoming more passionate about helping others to cope with their difficulties. I am especially interested in educating people about disabilities and how a negative can be a positive and vice versa. More broadly, however, I am fascinated by coping and the various ways humans have of overcoming challenges. Counselling Psychology, in particular, has been a fascination of mine because of the direct impact it has had on my life. I received the counselling help I needed when I was first injured and I am now preparing to have a positive impact on others who are suffering similar traumas. This counseling provides me with the impetus to be more physically active, be more engaged in my community, take part in interesting leisure activities (e.g. opera, sailing, creating music), and truly enjoying my life.
Because of my life experiences, I believe that I have something unique to offer in the field of Educational Psychology and the active living philosophy more generally. For instance, I have been recruited as a community ambassador by the Canadian Paraplegic Association to visit newly injured patients at hospitals, on a weekly basis, to encourage them and serve as a role model. I have also been an active volunteer at the PARTY Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) for the past 8 years. As a result of my increasing ability in public-speaking I am able to effectively share my experiences with disabilities with high school and junior high students.
Upon completion of my doctorate, I have the firm intention of achieving two career goals:
1) to become a registered psychologist and
2) to become a speaker/lecturer in the field of motivation and personal development.
The first of these goals will allow me to provide others a form of help I feel gifted in giving, namely, psychological or mental/emotional assistance. Because of my disability, I have experienced much in the way of trauma and suffering and although I continue to deal with the effects of my injury, I have achieved a certain level of mastery over my situation. This personal learning as well as my previous degree in counseling psychology (Masters of Science) have provided me with many tools to assist others. Over and above counseling, I will continue my efforts in the realm of public speaking as I have greatly enjoyed this aspect of my life over the years. I have learned many great skills speaking at various schools and for different audiences, and this will be an integral part of my career.
