[NABS-L] Intro, and questions

[Terri Stimmel]

Hello everyone,


My name is Terri, and I just recently joined this list, to get some 
thoughts and support on attending college. But also, the further I go 
along in my college journey, I hope to be able to help others as well.


I don't feel I am the average college student. I am totally blind. I was 
born blind, due to ROP. I am 47, and I am living in the state of Missouri.


I have just recently started my second semester of college. I am in my 
first year. I am attending at a local community college in my area.


I have tried college before. But this was back in 2004, and it really 
was not a good experience for me. I only went for two semesters.


This time, things do seem to be going better. I am also much more 
motivated. Which I feel definitely helps.

However, there is a good bit of struggle. Which I would like to get some 
feedback on, at some point. That will be it's own message.


Right now, I am just getting my associates degree.

However, I am hoping to get my Bachelors degree in social work, and then 
a masters degree. I feel though that in a lot of ways, I am way too late 
to the game. So I really do not know what might come from all of this.


Anyway, the reason I am reaching out today is, because I have some very 
specific questions that I am hoping some of you can answer. I thought 
giving you a little background about myself, at first, would be helpful.


My college is offering a trip to Germany, to experience German music. I 
very much would like to attend this, if at all possible. The trip is 
about two weeks long, and is happening in mid May.


I have to fill out an application, and there is still time to do this. I 
really feel that this would be a wonderful opportunity for me.


However, I haven't ever traveled out of the country.

Have any of you here traveled, either in a high school, or college program?


If so, what are some specific questions I may need to ask?

I do not know how to make sure that I get the right accommodations. Or, 
how I might travel. I don't even quite know what it is that I should be 
asking.


I thought that I might ask for some thoughts from others who may have 
some experience. I want to take care of the application. But, not until 
I know a bit more about what I am doing.

Does this make any sense?


I have sent a message to one of the professors who is sort of in charge 
of things. So, I am hoping to get a response back from her, soon.


Any thoughts, or suggestions will be very much appreciated. I so very 
much would love the opportunity to do this. It also really kind of 
scares me though, as well.


Thank you to all who have read this. I look forward to your responses, 
and to being a part of this list.


Thank you,


Terri