Sacrifices?

Sacrifices?

Thomas Karolewski

12/19/2002

Dear List,
        First off, I don't want to argue ABC/BOC anymore because I
believe there are qualified individuals in both camps. I believe its
time to form a stronger united structure vs. divided camps where
nothing gets accomplished. I guess I have an issue regarding the
amount of sacrifice individuals are willing to endure to achieve
higher goals. I've been teaching for eleven years now and every
semester there are individuals who make unbelievable sacrifices to
further their education.
Example: Two semesters ago one of my students attended our program.
He was making exceptional money as an engineer but decided it was not
fulfilling enough. In order to be accepted into school he volunteered
his time to get the experience needed for the application process.
Once he came to school he sold his house of seventeen years and put
his belongings in storage. This was not a popular decision with wife.
He had no idea where his next job would be. His anxiety was sky high.
Everything worked out and he is finishing his residency at a fine
hospital. Did he take a huge pay cut? YES. Is he happy? YES. Could he
have taken an alternative path? YES, but that was not in his
character. He wanted a formal education to satisfy himself. In my
experience I tend to see too many people not want to make ANY
sacrifices anymore. Everything has to be served on a platter with a
spoon.
        I want to comment to the woman who feels that she would have
to live on welfare to come to Chicago. Here are some ideas that some
of our former students have taken advantage of. 1) See if your
employer is willing to pay for school. Half of our students are
sponsored by their employers. 2) See if your employer will pay for
housing. 3) Some employers pay the students 50% of their salary while
in school. 4) Student loans are available. Now I have not walked a
mile in your shoes so I can't comment but we are only taking about
five months and then you are back to work. At the very least you
have to weigh out the issue Šfive months on welfare for an
opportunity to attend a great school. I just hate to see you miss a
wonderful opportunity if you have not exhausted all the
possibilities. I just happen to be in favor of formal education.
Does it produce guarantees? NO! It's a minimum standard. Commitment
to excellence produces great practitioners and that's based on ones
own character.
        I'm sick of this argument so I want to start something new.
On the O and P .com page, Is it me or does ASK OPIE look like John
Michael. Only kidding John!

Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays!

Thomas Karolewski, C.P., F.A.A.O.P.
--
Thomas Karolewski, C.P.,FAAOP
Assistant Director of Prosthetics Education
Northwestern University Prosthetics- Orthotics Center
1(312)238-1182