[NFBWV-Talk] updates from Massachusetts

[Keri Svendsen]

Good morning all,


I wanted to share some updates about some recent happenings. A few weeks 
ago I attended my first state convention ever here in Mass. It was 
actually required of me since I applied for the state scholarship 
program, but I had a blast. I met a group of people that look at many 
issues as I do. There were six of us who applied to the scholarship 
which is unusual for them. In recent years they've not received many 
scholarship applications for their three scholarships. They were so 
impressed with all of us that they bumped the scholarships up to four. I 
am proud to announce I was one of four that won this year.

I was one of three that got fifteen hundred dollars, and this 
scholarship along with MCB funding will completely pay off the rest of 
my degree. I will graduate with my masters degree completely debt free!

This will come as a surprise I think to most of you that have known me 
for a while. I joined the NFB of Massachusetts. There have always been 
several reasons I never joined, a lot of stuff I don't agree with at 
all, but at convention I found a group that I didn't feel totally on the 
outside of. The numbers were really mixed in terms of ages, and there 
was a good number of us 20s/30s there. I like how Massachusetts 
approaches many things, and all they do for students as well. I will be 
working with a lady by the name of Precious to try and restart the 
student divition here. Historically all student events have been in 
Boston(eastern mass) but since I am in Western Mass I am making a push 
for things here, and Precious agrees. We are both excited to see where 
it goes.


Yesterday I showed up to vote for super Tuesday since Mass is part of 
that, and the accessible machine was not set up. I spoke to the person 
on the local level in charge, and she seemed upset and bothered about 
this. She is supposed to investigate and get back to me. I also let Jeff 
from National office know since they collect such reports, and filed a 
complaint with the DOJ. I am confident at this point it will be handled 
locally as it should, but I agree with Jeff that the DOJ should have a 
record of it.


School is going well, but it is midterm time, and I am busy. My job is 
also going well. I will be on Spring break next week, but I plan to get 
a lot of work done.


I hope all is well with each of you.


-- 
Keri Svendsen