Scaling the Mountain at the General Assembly

In October 2003, at the age of 19, I sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that would change life as I knew it. At the time doctors did not expect me to live and said I would NOT have any quality of life if I did survive. This is where my journey begins, my life after TBI.

In the weeks, months, and years to follow I literally had to re-learn how to walk, talk, read, write, eat and swallow again. Learning your ABC’s at the age of 20 is a little diff erent. Besides God being my main strength, I am very determined and work earnestly every day.

Life at the General Assembly
As the saying goes, “it’s a small world after all.” My mother Connie went to college at MTSU with future Tennessee state senator, Bill Ketron. I first met Senator Ketron at my graduation from the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Center’s TBI Program in Smyrna in 2006. I was very impressed that he took time to show support for students with disabilities who were graduating.

It was a huge day for me because this was also a stepping-stone back to college – which everyone had said was impossible. I enrolled at MTSU, and during the next two years I would see Senator Ketron at different events. He approached me once at an MTSU football game and asked, “How would you like to do an internship for me at the State Senate?” I was so touched that he offered me this amazing opportunity. We worked out the details, and I started my internship this past January.

There have been so many advantages to this internship. First of all, observing Senator Ketron in his daily schedule with phone calls and meetings has been the most impressive thing for me. He always conducts himself as a gentleman and is very well respected in his position. He seems to always make time for his interns, and that is so appreciated. It has really opened my eyes to what all is involved at Legislative Plaza (LP).

A few of my job responsibilities include: organizing the different bills that come in, attending various state and local legislative meetings, answering the phone, interacting with other offices, and helping those who show up for appointments. I also get to meet different lobbyists and learn the roles they play. As interns we have unique opportunities to explore such as touring a maximum security prison. Another great advantage is meeting young people my age from across the state. Many of us go to dinner or hang out at the end of our day.

There have been many historical moments since I started that have been really cool to witness, ranging from the presidential inauguration to the Speaker of the House change. I never realized everything that goes on here. It’s a lot of politics and that is what I am learning. Most surprising, I feel like a rookie Senator myself. I didn’t realize I would be able to participate in government issues at this level.

I don’t know where all this will take me next, but it seems that doors always open. After college, my future political goals are to one day serve my community as a lobbyist while working in our family business, Kimbro Oil Company. I feel really blessed to have had this internship experience and will always be thankful.

From where I was in 2003 to now is truly a miracle. “I am a survivor, not a victim.” I walk, talk, do some motivational speaking, drive and live independently. I do not take any of this for granted and live everyday to the fullest. I guess you could say that there is a rainbow after every storm.

By: Brett Martin

This article is featured in the latest Coalition Quarterly, available in PDF and MS Word formats.