[NAGDU] Intro and great news

[Chantel Cuddemi]

 Hello, Amanda! I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to this
great list! You are going to enjoy it here, and feel free to jump in and
join the conversation anytime you wish! There are plenty of GDF graduates
on this list. Again, welcome aboard!
On Sat, Jan 28, 2017 at 11:53 AM Amanda Markham via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> 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
>
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