Headaches

Hi my name is Qais Nasseri, I am finishing up my B.ed. and will be working towards my goals in Education. I have been involved in sports all my life but found a growing passion with Rugby in 2010, I play/coach for the Ajax Wanderers and I played for Trent during my undergrad. That was where I had my first experience with concussions.

How have concussions affected your life?: At training camp in first year I got hit hard in an exhibition game, my eyes were knocked out of align and I was out for a few seconds. When I came to I was sent to the hospital and was diagnosed with a major concussion. I did not make the team that year. I struggled with my transition into university, not making many friends as I spent the first 2 months of school recovering. To this day I have noticed that I have a hard time concentrating while reading on black and white, and have a slight stutter when I talk.

Why do you want to advocate for concussion awareness?: I have seen many injuries to others and to myself through rugby and concussions are by far the worst, as a player and coach I want to see everyone correctly diagnosing and taking the proper precautions when they receive one. Thanks to Rowan's law, there is more of a push with concussion education, but we still have a way to go to ensure we are all safe and healthy!