[NAGDU] Intro and great news

[Amanda Markham]

Hello all. Very happy to be finally joining this list. My name is
Amanda and I live in Michigan with my fiancé who is also on this list.
Jeff Crouch. I have been a cane user since about 3 years of age.
Within the last couple of years, I've joined the NFB in hopes of
gaining self-confidence and more independence. Since joining, I've
been to two national conventions and have come away from them with a
sense of adventure. A need for discovery and a goal to push myself
beyond my comfort zone. I used to be one who didn't mind staying in
the house, playing games on my computer. Although from time to time I
still do this, A need to get out and go places is part of my daily
life now.

I joined the NFB shortly after completing college at ITT Technical
institute and receiving my associates degree in information
technology. While some aspects of college were great, others were not.
I had to have sighted assistance for almost every assignment because
there programs would not work with JAWS. My other issue came when I
could not get my textbooks in a format that I was easily able to read.
Things on the accessibility front were never resolved and I passed
with a 3.50 GPA. It's going on 5 years now that I've been out of
school and while I'm enjoying no homework, I'm finding it very
difficult to find a job.
I've had several interviews which I either received rejections from or
never heard anything back at all. While this is frustrating at most,
it drives me to keep going. To keep looking. Explore different avenues
and skill sets. Most days are spent job searching now. I do mmake an
effort to get out at least once daily, finances and weather allowing.
I did work with our agency for the blind here in Michigan, but have
recently closed my case for medical and other personal reasons. One of
which being that I felt they at this time, cannot do more than what I
am already doing for myself. But enough about that, let's move onto
the great news shall we?

Since joining the NFB and gaining more self-confidence, I have been
pondering the idea of a guide dog. I was dating Jeff when he got his
first dog and seing not only the interactions they had together but
how the dog enhanced his independence really inspired me. Last Summer
Jeff unfortunetly had to return his dog back to Pilot because of some
safety issues. In August he applied to GDF and inspired me to do the
same. So I have! I filled out both the pre application and online
application and just received my paperwork in the mail Thursday. Just
2 days after having my home interview. I was nervous at first about
the interview. I was afraid I might say or do something that would
lessen my chances for getting accepted. But throughout the interview
and walk, I realized that if not for doing more traveling now than I
used to, there's a good chance I'll get in. I realise they stil could
say no, but that's okay as well.


-- 
Thank you and warmest regards,
Amanda markham