Despite playing competitive sports for years, I have never had an injury that required crutches prior to this semester. I had no idea what to expect when I first got them, but boy was I in for a treat. Growing up, I remember when a classmate was on crutches; it always looked like so much fun just to swing yourself around on two metal poles. Let’s just say my excitement for them quickly faded once I had to crutch around our vast Wisconsin campus. Although I am thrilled to be able to tuck away my crutches deep in my closet, there are many things I learned through the process.
- I had true noodle arms before crutches.
-
Initially, I thought crutches would be a breeze. I mean, how hard could it be? As it turns out, extremely hard — especially when you start out with zero upper body strength. I thought my occasional arm-day at the gym would put me ahead of the game when it came to crutching, but on the contrary… crutches completely obliterated me. Oh, you like to be able to lift your arms above your head? After two days on crutches, my body said NOPE.
- Universities offer helpful resources you may not know about.
-
There are so many resources my university offers that I had never heard of before I needed them. My first week on crutches, I was trying to get everywhere by myself. Needless to say, I was in a constant state of fatigue, pain and sweat. Then I signed up for the Badger Bus, which picked me up and took me from class-to-class. It was a game changer. No longer did I need to pep talk my way up the endless Bascom Hill. The service saved me time and energy and was completely FREE — music to a college student’s ears.
- I am so, so strong.
-
Crutches tested me. Physically, yes, but mostly mentally. It was so frustrating not being able to do things on my own. I felt like I could not do ANYTHING. It was also a very isolating experience since it was hard to go anywhere. However, I persevered through it all and came out on the other side stronger and with an even firmer belief that I can do anything I put my mind to.
- We live in a walking world.
-
Honestly, I never realized this until I was put into a situation where I could not do simple things like open doors, carry my own food or walk up stairs. While there are services to help like ramps, elevators, door-opener-buttons, etc., the majority of buildings have stairs as the primary way to get up and down. It takes so much more time and energy to get from place to place when you are restricted to these methods. From being on crutches and relying on these services, I have gained a deeper level of compassion for those that need these services all the time. It is a challenge I never saw firsthand before.
- People care and help out.
-
While I was on crutches, I was surprised how many people I didn’t even know were willing to help out. Of course, people held doors open and offered me seats on the aisle in class and on the bus, but it extended further than that. I had a total stranger I passed by ask if I needed help carrying anything. And then, people offered so much encouragement. I went to the farmers’ market one weekend and seven different people told me how they’ve been there, gave me suggestions or simply wished me a fast recovery. I was shocked but appreciative.
So, there you have it. Although crutches were the worst, they helped me to learn more about my university as well as myself. If you have or ever find yourself on crutches at school, don’t fret — just don’t try to go up any giant hills. It isn’t worth it.