Adult advisor

[Coleen]

I've been asked to be an adult advisor (I held this position at Spring Camp last year) for my son't AJROTC program at his school. I've been certified as a volunteer with the school district, so that's not a problem, but how will the kids handle an advisor in a w/c? The kids run the classes, so all I'd be doing is basically keeping them on track with the program. Their officer teacher was recalled, so it won't be for a couple of weeks - what if they do surgery? This could get interesting...

[quadvet]

My guess is that it would go over great, for all involved, so I hope you're able to do it. Big kudos, if so. :thumb:

[Coleen]

It would definitely teach them to respect people in w/c's. The second year cadets know me from Spring camp, so it'd just be the new ones who would need to learn I'm fun but there's a time & place for it. I should be able to do it even after having back surgery, (I think?) but I won't know if they're going to even consider that until next month, so I'll be their advisor until then. There's also another parent that was with me at Spring camp who's going to share the position with me.

[brucec]

I've been asked to be an adult advisor (I held this position at Spring Camp last year) for my son't AJROTC program at his school. I've been certified as a volunteer with the school district, so that's not a problem, but how will the kids handle an advisor in a w/c? The kids run the classes, so all I'd be doing is basically keeping them on track with the program. Their officer teacher was recalled, so it won't be for a couple of weeks - what if they do surgery? This could get interesting...

take charge, but don't be a ass
maybe start off with a joke
but always be in command

[Coleen]

It wasn't a problem when I was AB, I'm just a little concerned about now that I'm w/c bound

[Veteran Advisor]

It wasn't a problem when I was AB, I'm just a little concerned about now that I'm w/c bound

I've seen people in wheelchairs cross all kinds of occupational boundaries, from SCI Chief to football coach to lawyer. As an ROTC instructor, your greatest asset is your experience and ability to motivate. That's what the kids will respond to. If you choose not to do it, don't let the reason be the wheelchair or how you think the kids will view you in light of it. PVA is full of bona fide war heroes in wheelchairs who could capture the respect and admiration of any kid with an interest in the military.

[Coleen]

I'm going to do it, and thanks, for the new perspective. The only thing that's changed about me is the braces & w/c, I guess I just let my insecurities get the better of me.