It seems amazing to me now just how much can happen in so little time. At this time last year, I was a person with a vision impairment who had resigned himself to a job as a package assembler in a sheltered workshop working for piecework wages. This place hired me almost five years ago when no one else would, and, having been away from my college training for so long, I was convinced that it would be the only place that would ever want me.
Even so, my inner nerd refused to give up completely. I became a frequent visitor of the local bookstore where I purchased many books on history and advanced mathematics to satisfy my desire for intellectual stimulation, though I still sometimes felt like that confused kid in the back of the class who keeps bugging the teacher by asking, “When will I ever need this?” I even kept writing as a hobby by preparing a series of internet fan fiction stories that I shared with friends.
As it turned out, one of those friends knew someone at this paper and told them who I was. I was then offered a chance to write for the opinion page, and I decided to use this opportunity to introduce a somewhat unique character to the world… The visually impaired nerd. I wanted people to know who I was and learn what people in the sight-impaired community could really accomplish with the right combination of assistance and effort. Thus, “Through My Eyes” was born last June.
It has truly been a long, strange trip indeed. Over these few short months I have tried to inspire readers with tales of sight-impaired people who had achieved success in areas that most would think impossible for them. “Through My Eyes” has introduced you to such unique individuals as a blind mathematician, a blind professional poker player, a historical tour of blind writers and even a blind painter. If I have inspired some of my readers not to give up on their dreams, then the column has done its job.
This column has accomplished much for me personally as well, for at long last, my dream has come true. Last October, I began volunteering my services at the local branch of Abilities in Motion, a state agency that strives to give those with disabilities the highest possible level of independence. This organization makes use of many disabled volunteers and paid employees; as of this month I am now one of those paid employees. I still won’t be doing any trigonometry or calculus there, but they are giving me a chance to finally put my administrative, computer and creative writing skills to good use.
That brings me to my final point. In order to focus my attention on this new endeavor, I have decided to leave Berks-Mont News. At the date of this posting, this will be the last edition of “Through My Eyes.”
Understand that I do not make this decision without some regrets. I do believe that much of my newfound success is owed to this column and this paper. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Berks-Mont News, along with all others who made this possible, for allowing me to do this column. When I had assumed that all was lost, you recognized my true potential. You gave me hope when I had none. Goodbye Berks-Mont News, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Michael P. Hill is a native of Elysburg and currently lives in Exeter. He has an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
