I have learned my lesson about helmet usage in spring 2004. I fell while cruising between classes two weeks before finals. To this day, my memory ends in class, and begins again on an emergency room table already in a gown, while a doctor is putting staples in the back of my head. I do know this; I was not doing any aggressive or high-speed skating. In fact, the hill I fell on was the very hill I learned to ride on.

I ended up spending three nights in intensive care for a third degree concussion (memory loss), two skull fractures, loss of hearing in my left ear, and a broken collarbone. Due to my loss of memory, I was forced to withdraw from Spring semester, and give up all the work I had put into my classes. In addition, over $21,000 was paid to the hospital alone (thank God for health insurance). That number does not include the ambulance ride, which I do not remember, or after care treatment. My memory returned, but my hearing did not. I still can not hear in my left ear.

My point is that I would not wish this upon my most hated enemies. It was one of the worst, but most significant experiences I have ever had in my life. It was just as hard on my parents and friends as it was for me.

So, here is what what