[nabs-l] Freshman year

[Sophie Trist]

When people first find out about my blindness, I always point out 
that I will never have to pay a speeding ticket. I also joke that 
God short-changed me in the vision department, but I won't be 
asking for a refund any time soon. Haha. I find that if you act 
like it's no big deal, other people will feel that way too.
 ----- Original Message -----
From: Liliya Asadullina <lily2011a at gmail.com
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:21:08 -0400
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Freshman year

And I agree about adding in humour.

On 7/17/12, Liliya Asadullina <lily2011a at gmail.com> wrote:
 Hi Katie,
 My name is Lily and I am going to be a freshmen in college as 
well.  I
 understand you have had bad experiences in high school, after 
telling
 people that you are blind.  I have dealt with a few myself.  As 
far as
 I have heard from some of my blind and sighted friends who are 
already
 in college, they say that people are more accepting in college.  
It's
 more of a time when people our age or around our age learn to 
grow up.
  Of course you will not meet all mature people, but just be 
yourself
 and tell them that you can't see.  Express to them that even 
though
 you are blind, you can still accomplish as much as they can.  
Get
 involved with a few extra curricular activities and prove to 
them that
 you are an independent, and smart individual.  The most you can 
do is
 educate them about blindness and be outspoken.  You will have to 
get
 out of your comfort level, but I am sure by the end of your 1st
 semester you wil have a good sullection of caring friends.
 Another thing, make sure you advicate for yourself in class and 
where
 ever you choose to go outside of the academic area.  For 
example, I am
 emailing my professors ahead of time and letting them know that 
I am
 blind, but that I have the capability just like anyone else to 
get my
 work done and learn.  I will explain to them how I will be 
taking
 notes in class and what kind of tecchnology I'll be bringing 
with me.
 I will be meeting with my professors a week before classes 
begin, and
 will be asking them if they have any questions for me.
 Outside of class, just reassure your peers if they have any 
questions
 for you about blindness to feel free to ask.
 Like I said, just be yourself and make the most out of your 
year.
 Be confident in you!  You've got this!
 College is full of diversity and if someone does not accept you 
for
 who you are and because of your blindness or lack of some 
vision, then
 they aren't worth being friends with...
 People come to college from all different areas around the world 
and
 each student has something unique about them.   So just reach 
out to
 those around you and show them that no matter what, you can 
succeed.
 I understand what you are going through in your mind though.
 I am saying this to you, but at the same time I am nervous for 
college as
 well.
 Beeing that I had some blind skills training at the Colorado 
Center
 For The blind though, I do feel more confident about going to 
college
 and in myself too.
 Also, I am not as nervous to be dorming with a random room mate 
away
 from my home town and family.
 Good luck with starting this fall, I believe that you will do 
well!
 If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me any 
time
 at: Lily2011a at gmail.com.
 Or my school email: lasadull at masonlive.GMU.edu
 Cheers!
 Liliya

 On 7/17/12, Katie Cl <katminecce at yahoo.com> wrote:
 Hi my name is Katie and I am going to be a freshman in college 
this fall.
 I
 was wondering how other people handled telling others they 
couldn't see.
 In
 high school I had a bad experience and don't want it to happen 
again. Any
 advice would be helpful.
 THANKS

 <3 Princess Cy-I <3
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