[humanser] what is Realistic?

[Marion Gwizdala]

Jessica,
	Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself to the list.
Many of us have returned to school a little later in life than what is
traditional, whatever that means! (grin) I am certain you will find many
blind social workers on this list willing to share their experiences with
you, as well as some willing to mentor you and others.

	I would like to comment on a statement you made, hoping you will
take this in the spirit it is offered. Many professionals in the field will
share with you what they believe is "realistic". They may be very
well-meaning; however, I have usually found that their "realistic"
expectations are nothing more than limiting beliefs that keep us from
achieving our dreams. When we stretch our perceptions of what is possible,
we define a new reality for us as blind people. If you can perceive it, you
can achieve it! One of my favorite adages is, "Whether you think you can or
you think you can't, you're right!" Keep believing and keep achieving!

Marion Gwizdala



-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of MissWings
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 12:18 AM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Subject: [humanser] Introduction.

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on this list for a while, and have enjoyed reading
everyone's messages and input.  I've been to one of the phone conference
calls as well, and hope to attend more of them in future.

I thought I'd write a bit about myself, and also ask a favor, if anyone
might be willing.

My name is Jessica, and I'm a junior in college, having just switched my
major to social work, and am currently in my first semester of studies away
from home.  I've been officially accepted into the social work program for
the fall, so I'll be taking my second semester of social work classes.  I'm
in my early thirties, and totally blind.  I'm hoping to eventually become a
vocational rehabilitation counselor, and thought that social work would be
the best major for me to pursue, as the school where I'm attending doesn't
have a major for VR counseling specifically.  I thought social work would be
a good secondary option, as I'll be dealing with the public, and the skills
obtained in social work classes I'm sure will help me.

Now for my request, and hopefully it isn't off topic.  One of my assignments
this semester is to interview someone who has a social work degree, but my
problem is that I don't know any social workers, as I haven't made any
connections yet.  I was wondering if anyone on the list has a degree, and is
currently practicing anywhere, and if they'd mind answering a few questions.
I also thought getting an interview from a blindness perspective would be
helpful, as I'd have a better idea of realistic expectations and issues
facing someone who is blind.  It's only about four or five questions, and we
could even communicate via email, if that works easier.  Even if someone has
a degree, but isn't currently working anywhere, that should still work, as
my professor didn't specifically say the person being interviewed had to be
working.

Please respond off list if you're curious and want more information,
assuming anyone wouldn't mind helping, as I don't want to clutter up the
list.  My email is miss wings at lorettotel.net

Thanks, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better as I
spend more time on the list.

Jess


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