[nabs-l] Personal characteristics and traits of successful blind people

[wmodnl wmodnl]

There is no room for error.  Think of yourselves as the big elephant in the room, constantly sticcking-out like a sore thumb. You are always being judged even when you do something that a "normal" person does. That's life, and you got to love it, deal with it, and learn that this is what it is.  Always try to achieve and/or overachieve.  Never, never, try to take a short-cut, or take the easy way out.
Finally, be careful, really careful who you make connections with or ask for help from.  Some will always hold it against you; or use your intended help request(S) against you in some way at a later date.  This is especially the case with social media, etc.  Basically, be perfect.  Every one who is different goes through this in our culture.



Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 27, 2014, at 2:27 PM, "Julie McGinnity" <kaybaycar at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> This brings up another discussion entirely: do we need to be better
> than our sighted colleagues to make it in the world?  Do we need to
> make ourselves look particularly successful so that others will not
> overlook us because we are blind?
> 
> Here's one idea...  I feel like blind people who are successful don't
> over emphasize their blindness.  It is one of many characteristics
> that define them(us).  We are blind, and we need to deal with it,
> learn necessary skills, and continue to develop our talents and skills
> in other areas.  We are not just blind; we are people.
> 
> A counter argument would assert that due to the widespread
> misconception of blindness, we need to be constantly on our gard and
> focusing on educating and advocating.  Personally, I think this is no
> way to live our lives, but I bet that I am not the only one who
> worries about how certain activities will work for me or whether a
> certain professor will treat me differently because of my blindness.
> Maybe it's reality...  What do you guys think?
> 
>> On 3/27/14, justin williams <justin.williams2 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hard down skill.  All the other intangibles are nice, but if you aren't
>> good
>> at something, then they don't count for as much; you have to make yourself
>> useful to folks, and try to have a little bit more knowledge than everyone
>> else around you.  Understanding the value of good training, personal
>> development, a wealth of knowledge, and great technique.  Learn any thing
>> you can.  Learn also how to interweave your blindness skills into the
>> normal
>> skills of what you as a person need to no.  Learn what you do, and what you
>> don't do.  Also, be willing to explore, and adapt.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Phil
>> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 6:29 AM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Personal characteristics and traits of successful blind
>> people
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> I'm working on a research paper, and would like to hear what you think.
>> Obviously there are external factors such as accessibility barriers, social
>> and attitudinal barriers and so on that affect a blind person's likelihood
>> of success in life.  But if we focus on personal characteristics for a
>> moment, what do you think are some personal characteristics that can help a
>> blind person succeed, or ask in a different way, what characteristics and
>> behavior traits do successful blind people around you exhibit? And what
>> makes you cite these traits?
>> For example, some have rightly pointed out that a sense of curiosity and
>> exploration is key, both curiosity to explore one's physical surrounding,
>> intellectual curiosity to explore different subjects and career
>> possibilities, and so on. Others have also pointed out having the courage
>> to
>> be different is important as a blind person.
>> What else do you think are important characteristics or behavior traits?
>> Hope to hear lots of diverse views on this.
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> Best,
>> Phil
>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Julie McG
> National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
> Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
> Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
> and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
> "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
> everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
> life."
> John 3:16
> 
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