Dear Sir/Madam:
While attending USC in 1998, I had a severe snowboarding accident, leaving me in a ‘coma’ for 45 days, with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Because I know firsthand how difficult it is to recover from a severe injury, and how much work it takes to accomplish one’s goals, I am certain that I can provide the support and motivation necessary to help others advance in their own recovery
After being in a comma for 45 days, my physical strength had deteriorated at an alarming rate, and I had to learn how to do everything all over again. Individuals who have been able to attain significant improvement from a TBI accident such as mine have been estimated at 0.5% to 1.0%.
What I can bring to the employer:
- Motivational techniques
- Hope
- Many contacts that I made at/on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Southern California
- The benefits of being:
- Determined
- Driven to succeed
- Goal Oriented
- Perseverance
I was fortunate that I had people in my life who gave me encouragement and emotional support so that I wouldn’t give up on my recovery, or my dreams. Both inside the atmosphere of a Physical Therapy clinic, and more importantly having a peaceful and stable home life, outside of that environment. I was also extremely fortunate that I was introduced to people who offered their assistance and worked extensively with me so that I could improve.
As part of my lengthy Rehabilitation I have had to become extremely knowledgeable about certain conditions, and how best to treat those conditions. I am routinely asked back to the Health Sciences Campus, The University of Southern California’s Graduate School, to assist the Director of Neurologic Disorders, Dr. Beth Fisher, in administering the ‘Final Exam’ to her many Graduate students. This establishes me as being knowledgeable in this area of recovery/this expertise, and it adds a great deal of credibility to my future pursuits. Dr. Beth Fisher is world renowned as one of the preeminent experts, in her field of knowledge. The Health Sciences Campus of USC has been regarded by many as #1, in the entire nation for the premier learning experience it gives to its many Graduate Students.
I have worked alongside more than 700 aspiring Doctors of Physical Therapy, building a name for myself and have nurtured many of my ‘personal relationships’, I continue to hold very dear.
I work on my recovery every day – determined that I will continue to make serious improvements.
It is my hope and my strong belief that as a part of your organization I will be able to pass this on to others.
Sincerely,
Ernest Sickenberger
ERNEST L. SICKENBERGER
2036 Stonewood Court
San Pedro, California 90732
e.sickenberger@att.net
CAREER OBJECTIVE
It is my overall objective to offer hope, emotional support, inspiration and guidance for individuals who are struggling with recovery from mental/physical disability, including traumatic brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injuries inside a post-physical therapy environment. By achieving a pre-determined set of parameters from a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), it is my objective to motivate and work with the client to achieve his/her personal goals, and advance to his/her next level of recovery. Having the ultimate goal of achieving independent living, for oneself.
EDUCATION
University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business Fall 2006 – Spring 2009
Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration
Los Angeles Harbor College – Advancing My own TBI Recovery Spring 1999-Dec, 2005
Various Adapted Physical Education Courses, including
Cardiovascular Fitness and Strength Training.
Coop Ed/Speech and Argumentation Speech Classes
Business Law I & II
University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business Fall 1996 – Spring 1998
Los Angeles Harbor College Fall 1992- Spring 1996
Associates of Art in Liberal Arts
CERTIFICATION
American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer 2009-present
EXPERIENCE
Los Angeles Harbor College-Adapted Physical Education Gym Volunteer Assistant Motivate, support and work with clients with disabilities
USC Health Sciences Campus Volunteer Assistant
Work with Graduate Physical Therapy students to assist them in improving their
Therapeutic techniques.
In return, I receive the benefits of their knowledge and expertise.
HONORS & AWARDS
University of Southern California, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneur Studies
-2009 Marcia Israel Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
ACTIVITIES
Member of University of Southern California Entrepreneur Club