Archive for the ‘My Mentor's Story’ Category

My Mentor’s Story: Harriet on the Go

Friday, July 31st, 2009, 08:05 AM By Olaedo

Harriet Go originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She realized that she was blind from a very young age, but she didn’t know how her blindness would affect her in the future. She went to a school for the blind and she was taught Braille, mobility, alternative activities, and everything and anything that blind students needed in life; it was like a regular school. When it came to adjusting to the environment outside of school, other people made her life difficult

Harriet’s family has always been very supportive. But when it came to her peers, she went through a difficult time. She had to deal with other people and their stereotypes and she had to prove to them all that blind people can do things as well as sighted people. She was sometimes on the outside socially. But as she got older, she got stronger and bolder, and had a stronger belief in herself, especially when the NFB came into her life. .

When Harriet first heard about the NFB Youth Slam, she was at an NFB convention in Dallas. This is her first year as a mentor. She is enjoying it very much. Harriet has enjoyed the entire week, but what she really is excited about the most is the rally at the Lincoln Memorial and the March for Independence in Washington D.C. Overall, as a blind person, she is growing stronger every day and every year. She has taught me a great deal, both as a mentor and a friend.

Aloha From Karl Pangilinan.

Friday, July 31st, 2009, 07:40 AM By Denzel

Hey everyone, its me with another interesting interview. I had the opportunity to interview my mentor, Karl. He is from Honolulu, Hawaii, which is on one of the islands that make up the state. Karl’s hobbies include Playing the guitar, walking ( which I also do.), hanging out at the beach, and cooking. Karl came to The Youth Slam because he wanted to do at least one good deed for society. He says that being apart of this year’s Youth Slam has been a learning experience for him because he has learned not to live in fear and because his mentees are cool. Karl is having fun laughing with mentees and now realizes that he can relate to other blind people just as I can relate to him.
Growing up was a hard road for Karl. He was born blind, and his parents sheltered him. They felt that he was in the way and helpless, but they also wanted him to be perfect. Karl felt bad and was driven to rebel against everyone. He spoke about his high school life which brought a tear to my eye. Karl was picked on by his sister’s boyfriend and was later abandon by his sister. He also had bad grades because he had no accessible equipment for blind students. Karl says the only things he did well in school were dancing and wrestling, but he had to fight to join the team because he had to prove that a blind guy could wrestle. After high school he left home because he recognized that he had to grow up since his parents weren’t going to be around forever.
So Karl went to a training center in California, where he got the proper training to be a successful blind adult. He says it was scary, but fear drove him to learn quickly. After his training he attempted to attend college to study electronic music. He has one trustworthy friend who also wants him to be successful and live life.
Karl plans to find a job teaching computers. He wants us blind teens to keep our heads up. So, Karl, thank you. I want you to know that you are the best. Thanks for being my mentor. I love you and everyone else here.
Until next time.

Podcast: An Interview with Serena Olsen, Blind Traveler

Thursday, July 30th, 2009, 02:10 PM By Ronza

The NFB Youth Slam attracts many dynamic, successful, and inspiring blind people. below you will find interviews conducted by our very own Slam News students, some of whom are reporting for the very first time.

 

In this podcast, the Slam News Team interviewed Serena Olsen, a blind Federationist who has traveled extensively.

 

 An Interview with Serena Olsen, Blind Traveler [12:19m]: Play in Popup | Download

My Mentor’s Story: Harriet

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009, 09:37 AM By Tarik

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.