Shane Kruizinga addresses year 10 students at their careers day.
By Paul Dunlop
AN exstudent’s inspirational story of how he still lived life to the full despite being confined to a wheelchair held his audience at Kooweerup Secondary College spellbound last week.
Shane Kruizinga was back at his old school to talk to students at a year 10 careers day.
It was the first time he had been back since a horrific motorbike accident in 1983 left him with severe spinal chord injuries.
Mr Kruizinga, 40, now works at his brother’s workshop at Kooweerup Motors and also visits schools to speak to students.
Despite being just 17 when his accident happened, he said he never let his injuries conquer his natural optimism and enjoyment of life.
“It certainly makes you see things a bit differently,” he said.
“Some people suffer from bouts of depression, some never get over it,” he said.
“My attitude was always, even when I was in hospital, ‘If this is the deal, let’s get the hell out of here and see what we can do’.”
Mr Kruizinga told students he was there to show them how easily such a lifechanging accident could happen.
Being in a wheelchair was not something he would wish upon his worst enemy, he said.
“I can laugh and joke all I like but would hate to see anyone in this situation.”
Teachers and students praised Mr Kruizinga saying his address was a highlight of the day.
Mr Kruizinga said young men were far more likely than young women to hurt themselves in such a way.
Mr Kruizinga said he desperately missed playing AFL football but had developed other interests to compensate.
His message to students was that once fate dealt such a hand, the thing to do was try and make the best of it.
“It doesn’t mean you have to sit at home and do nothing, there are still options,” he said.
“I wouldn’t play guitar as well as I do for starters (if the accident hadn’t happened).
“I learnt photography and I learnt sign language, just for something to do.”
Mr Kruizinga said he considered himself lucky compared to others who had suffered similar injuries.
He said he had not had half the hassles experienced by some of the other young people with whom he shared that hospital ward back more than 20 years ago.
“I’m still fit and healthy
“I haven’t had much pain.
“There is always somebody worse off than yourself.”
