So, the semester is winding down and the requirement to blog will be no more. That’s not to say I won’t be blogging for recreational purposes.
When I started the semester and was tasked with choosing a topic I am passionate about, I floundered for a day or so. I am a generally passionate person, but I wanted to stretch myself and learn about the life of someone else. We tend to live an insular existence and our passions usually resound in what effects us directly.
I began this “journey” as an attempt to see how social media breaks communication barriers for those with visual impairments. I quickly pivoted to subject matter that I could relate to. How does dating work for the blind? Does online dating change the experience? What is the relationship between a seeing eye dog and it’s owner? How is that different from the relationships I have with my dogs? How is self esteem constructed differently within a sighted person versus a blind person? As you can see, my passions seeped into my research topic.
It was truly a valuable learning experience. My insular world often limits me from thinking about what I value and the challenges I have from a different perspective. Despite our diversity as individuals, we as humans share so much- whether it’s the love we have for our family, the joy we find in our pets, or the voice inside of our head that tells us that we aren’t good enough at something, our experiences are relatable and common.
This project changed the lens in which I view those with any kind of disability. While I used to be really enamored with the courage that it took for my Grandpa to so confidently travel and take on everyday challenges, I am now seeing that those challenges did not define him. I was so in awe of what made him different from me that I looked past what made us the same.
I’m grateful for this assignment- for this blog that really opened my eyes (no pun intended) to the inclusive experience of being human and the importance of looking outside of oneself. I am more so grateful for those of you who became my Twitter followers, gave me the insight into your experiences, and helped me connect the dots that made this lesson so very worthwhile.
Thank you!
Thank you for opening our eyes. Its a topic that doesn't get much air time but really makes you think about how sight or lack of impacts the lives of others. Having the experience you have had with your grandfather, you have invaluable insight into the experience. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your blog so much, Adrienne--you have such wonderful insight! Thanks for touching upon our human tendency to be insular creatures while encouraging us to be more holistic and integrated (and creative!) by choosing to see beyond our self-imposd boundaries. Thank you! (Patti)
ReplyDeleteA great blog that forced me to evaluate how quickly I take sight for granted. Trying to d survive without being able to see is unimaginable, yet your grandfather has tackled this challenge head on. Looking forward to reading your recreational blog in the future.
ReplyDeleteJeff
You did a great job with this blog, Adrienne, and your grandfather would be so proud. Thank you for getting us to think through different eyes. :)
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, your blog serves a noble purpose. Your grandfather would be so very proud of you. You revealed to me and countless others the need to empathize with others who function in the world with less physical resources than the rest of us. I enjoyed learning from you and your journey.
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