[nabs-l] Freshman year

Wed Jul 18 01:14:55 UTC 2012

Evening, Katie,

Remember that most folks don't actually get to see blind people 
functioning in person. By demonstrating what we are and yes, are not 
capable of is a great means of educating. Thus, I believe it pretty 
counterproductive to get up tight about being stared at. As much as 
people wrap about blindness being an "inconvenience" a truth is 
that,, blindness remains an enigma to most and you could be educating 
the unsuspecting sighted person  by means of not objecting to a 
little staring wich, I remind is not at all intrusive. What do people 
think of this?
At 05:39 PM 7/17/2012, Patrick Molloy wrote:
>Katie,
>Having just finished my freshman year this past May, I can tell you
>that people are very accepting for the most part. Once you show people
>that you're just as capable as they are, your actions will speak for
>themselves. True, people will be watching you more than they would a
>person with sight. But you have to use that as a way to educate them.
>When people ask you questions on campus about how you do this or that,
>take it in stride. That's actually how I met my best friend: I was
>walking down campus going to a building and he came up and asked me
>how I knew where I was or something like that. We had a great
>conversation and things just rolled from there. Feel free to send me
>an e-mail off list if you have any questions as things come up.
>Patrick
>
>On 7/17/12, Joshua Lester <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu> wrote:
> > LOL!
> > That's a good one!
> > I also quote Fanny Crosby and tell them that one good thing about
> > blindness, is that I never have to see the clouds in the sky.
> > Blessings, Joshua
> >
> > On 7/17/12, Sophie Trist <sweetpeareader at gmail.com> wrote:
> >> 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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> >>
> >>
> >>
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