There are lessons we learn in the classroom and lessons we just happen to learn, while in a classroom.
"What I'm teaching them to do is to extend themselves and to learn to do things they didn't do before," said Siena Professor Dr. Jim Nolan.
That is what Nolan has had to do ever since September 6th, 2010 when he was biking, went down an embankment and landed on his head. He broke his neck, and four vertebrate.
We first met Dr. Nolan this past May as a quadriplegic, walking again. His goal then was to get back in to the classroom.
Now, he is.
"I was right up front with them when I rolled in. They obviously saw me in the wheelchair so I explained to them I have many challenges," said Nolan.
Siena and Nolan's occupational therapist worked to help him overcome those challenges. They made alterations to his office, even his classroom.
"I can do anything from my laptop that anyone could do at the podium," said Nolan.
The class he is teaching is a freshman forum class. The students are learning just as much about starting a new chapter in life as they are about school. Their professor is following a parallel path.
"I'm learning how to live on my own, do my own things, balance homework and he's trying to walk again," said Katelyn Cicero, a Siena student.
"There are times I will give them what I call lessons in perseverance," said Dr. Nolan.
He is sharing what he learned in physical therapy.
"She asked me to move my legs a certain way. I tried, and looked at her and said I can't do it. She said to me I don't ever want to hear you say you can't do it again," said Nolan.
Nolan says he realized at that moment that his future was up to him. Once unable to move his legs or arms, he is now walking 15-20 minutes at a time with a walker and is even driving himself to work.
"It teaches me that if something comes in the way, you get a roadblock, to just keep going," said Cicero.
"Focus on the good things and don't take anything for granted," said Mike Kelly, another Siena student. "I look up to him. He's an everyday role model."
Those simple words are a better indicator than even a grade that his students are learning what only this brave professor could teach, in a classroom, in the school of life.
