NFB Youth Slam! » Tarik

A few Hours at the National Center for the Blind

Tarik — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:11:22 +0000

When I went to the NFB’s headquarters I listened to a press conference on the crisis of poor Braille instruction in the Baltimore City school system. I am proud of the actions that the NFB is taking by filing a formal complaint. This is one step to make sure that every blind or visually impaired student should and will learn Braille.

After the conference I went to see the remarkable technology exhibited in the NFB’s International Braille and Technology Center. Afterwards

We went to the talent show and it was pretty good — I can’t exactly tell you who was my favorite. All of them were.
The trip to the NFB National Center was a great experience and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Interview: University of Maryland Receptionist

Tarik — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:31:04 +0000

I interviewed the receptionist here in Annapolis hall. I asked her some questions. Even though she was busy, she took the time to answer them, which I appreciated because it was an interesting interview. Here are some questions I asked her:

Q. How do you feel about blind people being here?”

A. I was shocked and wondering what their going to do about the bathroom because there is no Braille. I then mentioned how one of my friends wasn’t so lucky.

Q. Do you think that the blind will be able to get around?

A. She mentioned that she has a relative who is blind and very independent.

Q. Would you be comfortable with a totally blind person driving around?”

A. “No, I wouldn’t.” I then mentioned ongoing tests of self-driving cars.

Q. Do you wonder how we read Braille?

A. Yes I really do wonder how blind kids do it. I then showed her how we do it. She was really interested.

A. Would you consider going out with a blind person? (For the record she has a boyfriend.)

A. Yes, if there were chemistry.

I thought it was a really good interview. Her name is Monica, so, when you see her, thank her for letting us know about how some of the University students here feel. Remember, say hi to her and smile.

sports night

Tarik — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:12:29 +0000

My sports night went really well. I did judo, and considering that I’ve been doing that for maybe a year now, I had a lot of fun and thankfully didn’t have to do the INSANE exercise. I learned a new throw while I was there and it is easier than osoto. Our sensei was very good and helpful. I was disappointed when it ended. My partner was Jason; he’s pretty good if he gets into it. He could be a beast if he really tried. Luckily nobody broke his or her neck or arm or leg, whereas at my practice it’s almost a guarantee you will get hurt. So I had fun and I hope you guys had fun as well. Later on, fellow slammers.

tarik at the bbq

Tarik — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:02:21 +0000

When I was at the BBQ yesterday, it was rather interesting. I waited in line for a good while but the food was pretty good. Then everybody started dancing and all I did was just chill and hang around. At one point I was making it rain, as in throwing money in the air. I also met new people and just had fun really. Hope everybody else did as well

My Mentor’s Story: Harriet

Tarik — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:37:56 +0000

Q: Where are you from?
A: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Q: Why did you want to become a mentor?
A: I wanted to become a mentor because I believe in the potential of the blind youth and wanted to be apart of that exciting experience during the youth slam.

Q: What is your visual impairment?
A: Blind since birth.

Q: What is your profession?
A: Elementary school teacher – kindergarten 1st grade and 2nd grade.

Q: How far do you think the blind youth will go?
A: As far as their talents, potentials and imagination will go.

Q: was this a good interview?,
A: Yes, it was a very good interview.

How Did I Get Here: Denzel’s Story

Tarik — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:37:48 +0000

Denzel’s family drove him to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) airport from Baltimore where they live.
The reason Denzel came to NFB Youth Slam is that he wanted to be with more blind and visually impaired people and also to represent his home state of Maryland.

25 Fun Facts About Me

Tarik — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:28:05 +0000

1. I have glaucoma.
2. I was born in Abu Dhabi.
3. I am black and Egyptian.
4. I love swimming and am training to be a life guard.
5. I wrestle folk style and Greco-Roman.
6. I love music and can play the drumset and bass.
7. I did a backflip on my bike and surprisingly didn’t break my neck.
8. I lived in DC.
9. I now live in Atlanta – GET ME OUTTA THERE!
10. I love horror movies.
11. I wanna get a boat license.
12. I tried to backflip an ATV – it didn’t go so well.
13. I have the best shot in the family.
14. I am about to get a job at Dixieland.
15. I am very stable.
16. I work on cars all the time.
17. I worked on my friend’s car for drag racing and we came in first place.
18. I know how to ride a motorcycle.
19. I once rode a banana boat.
20. I am the best Gears of War player ever.
21. I hate musicals.
22. I have horrible allergies.
23. I can play the saxophone.
24. I love slamball.
25. I enjoy deep sea fishing even though I nearly lost my finger.