[nabs-l] Good luck with your endeavors

[Liz Bottner]

Bridgit,

Fantastic post, very well written. Best of luck in the future.

Take care.

Liz Bottner
Guiding Eyes Graduate Council
GEB Voicemail:  800-942-0149 Ext. 2531
e-mail: 
liziswhatis at hotmail.com 
Visit my LiveJournal: 
http://unsilenceddream.livejournal.com 
Follow me on Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/lizbot 


-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Bridgit Pollpeter
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 5:36 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] Good luck with your endeavors

Dear Nabsters,

I've not posted in weeks, but as many of you know, finals are a crazy,
crazy time of year.  Though my post have often been few and far between
over the years, I've always enjoyed the lively discussions and plethora
of information.  My husband and I are stepping down from our various
leadership positions so we can focus on personal, and professional
goals.  We are not quitting the Federation altogether, but we are taking
a well deserved break.  I wanted to say a few things before I take an
extended absence from this list.

I graduate in August, but I'm applying to different MFA programs for
creative writing.  I'm also interning with a public relations group this
summer, which, only two weeks in, and I'm already busy with projects up
to my eyes!  *smile*  My husband begins grad school in the fall, and we
both are searching for new employment opportunities.  I hope the future
holds many more opportunities, and I'm figuring out what my next step
will be.  My husband and I are excited about some opportunities looming
on the horizon including a family.  We have reached a point when we want
to focus our energies on personal goals, and find the balance between
Federation involvement and everything else.  The work we have
accomplished with the NFB means a lot to us, but it is now time to
accomplish goals for selfish reasons!  *smile*

As the future leaders in this organization, and the future voice of the
blind, I encourage each of you to work diligently towards your dreams.
Don't ever let anyone, including the NFB, tell you that your dreams are
impossible.  Obstacles only exist because we allow them.  Keep this in
mind, if it is difficult and scary, you are probably moving in the right
direction.

Strive to achieve as much independence as possible.  The blind have
limitations because society decided this long ago.  We based our reality
on perceptions, not truth.  As blind people, we can achieve whatever we
set our minds on.  Let limitations be a thought of the past.

Be efficient with your skills.  Both partials and totals, prepare
yourself for each and every situation.  Don't let fears, ignorance and
perceptions hold you back.  Remember, the tools of the blind, Braille,
canes and dogs, adaptive technology, are not badges of the handicapped,
but are tools of the independent.  Let's change the world's opinions by
insisting they accept us, and our tools and methods, as capable, equal
people.  The better you are with the skills, the more success you will
achieve, and people will recognize that blind people are not less
capable.  Your life is what you make it.  If you grasp this, you will
find a whole new world open to you.

Learn from your past, but don't dwell on it.  We can't change what has
already happened.  Grow from your experiences, but don't define your
future by any negativity from the past.  Live in the moment, but always
think of the future.  Your teens and twenties will fly by so chase your
dreams now.  If one avenue ends and does not bring what you hoped for,
choose another route and keep moving.

Do not allow blindness to define you.  Blindness is but one part of you.
You are a full person who has a lot to offer.  Blindness does not make
you completely different from anyone else, so don't let it become the
defining aspect of you.

Please, please keep an open mind in all things.  Don't be ruled by what
others tell you, or what you hear.  Consider all sides before making
decisions.  No single person, or organization, has all the answers.
Growth and change is good and should happen.  With no growth, stagnancy
occurs, and no one is helped when there is no forward movement.

Keep your own council, and learn to make your own decisions.
Questioning is not a bad thing.  Do not be afraid to speak up and voice
concerns and suggestions.  If your voice is silenced, consider finding a
new venue where your voice is appreciated.  We expect the rest of the
world to open their minds about blindness, let's not close our minds in
return.  Work to achieve true equality, which means sharing that
equality.  Open your mind to new experiences and people, and don't allow
blindness to become a means of reverse prejudice.

I'll still be around, and I may pop on the list from time to time, but I
hope we all experience bright things in our future.  For anyone
interested, I will continue to advertise my blogs as many of you have
been awesome supporters.

Good luck in all your endeavors.

Bridgit Pollpeter


_______________________________________________
nabs-l mailing list
nabs-l at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nabs-l:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/liziswhatis%40hotmai
l.com