Library Collections: Document: Full Text


Memorized My Way Through College And Law School

Creator: John W. Leibold (author)
Date: 1962
Publication: Toomey J Gazette
Source: Gazette International Networking Institute


Page 1:

1  

My parents were farmers in Marion County. When my 1948 bout with polio left me with extensive paralysis of all four limbs my family determined to continue my education. We chose Ohio Northern University because it was closest to my home. My Father built a house in Ada, and I was able to live at home while attending school.

2  

My Father mortaged -sic- the farm to build the house. He had farmed all his life until then, but settled for a boring job as a tool crib keeper. I was able to earn a small scholarship almost every year. Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation assisted as much as it could under the circumstances.

3  

At first my Father cared for me and another student rolled me from class to class and from home to class. We furnished the helping student room and board in exchange for his services. Then, after my Father died, the student cared for me.

4  

My Mother helped me, while I studied at home, by getting or moving books, papers, setting me up to type, etc. The University cooperated by arranging many classes on first floors, but I also had many on 2nd and 3rd floors -- there were no elevators.

5  

Until I entered law school I took my exams orally, which was very good training. Once you speak an answer, you cannot erase it. In law school I wrote my exams -- which were always four hours long. I used a small lap-board and a ball bearing feeder for one arm. I use a mouthstick to type and to move books, papers, etc.

6  

I took no notes while in college -- class notes, that is -- except once in a while I would have one of my classmates make a one or two word note which was for the purpose of recalling a subject matter. The training this offered in developing memory was very valuable.

7  

Now I am thirty and married to my law partner. I was an assistant attorney general for Ohio for three and a half years, and I am now attorney for the Ohio Department of Education. My wife does most of our private practice while I help evenings and weekends.

[END]