"Give me the moon at my feet
Put my feet upon the crescent, like a Lord!
O let my ankles be bathed in moonlight, that I may go sure and moon-shod, cool and bright-footed towards my goal." D. H. Lawrence

The benefits I have received through my work with the National Federation of the Blind can only be described as invaluable. Not only have I obtained a positive philosophy through my affiliation with the NFB, but endless opportunities have presented themselves as well.

In 1992, after many surgeries and attempts to save my sight, and while sitting in a Boston room, I heard the echo of my surgeon's voice announcing that I would never see again. After the initial shock and a very good cry, I decided that this was the hand I had been dealt. I considered throwing in my cards, but a voice inside my head insisted I play my hand out. Since I was already in college, I continued classes and worked on learning alternative skills that would allow me to complete assignments and remain independent.

In my search for resources and connections, I found an organization that unknowingly, would be the key to my success. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) not only afforded me opportunities to advance myself, but also gave me the chance to reach out in my own community and make a difference.

Initially, my contributions and involvement were limited, but in 1997, I traveled to Washington DC for the NFB Washington seminar. I spent a weekend attending meetings to be briefed on legislative issues of importance to the blind community. As the 104th congress began session, I climbed the stairs of the capitol on my way to meet with Connecticut's senators and representatives. As an advocate, I gained an opportunity to work as an intern for senator Christopher J. Dodd. Doors began opening.

The day after returning to Connecticut, I interviewed for a government summer job program. I was on a confidence high, and the interview went off without a hitch. Several months later, I received two job offers. The first was for the Department of Defense and the second from the Veteran's Administration. Although I had already accepted the internship for Senator Dodd, I had made contacts in two agencies for future reference. The bill I had advocated for at the federal level, a Braille literacy bill for children had passed. It had been a small part of a tremendous achievement. It was like a cherry on top of my ice cream sundae.

My involvement increased as I was asked to write articles for the organization's publications, and in July of the same year I traveled to New Orleans for our national convention. Inspired by the leaders of the organization, upon returning to Connecticut I looked into how I could help in my own state affiliate. In 1998, along with another member of the NFB of CT I helped organize a new chapter. Since that time our Southern Connecticut Chapter has reached out in the community to educate the public about blindness and inform newly blinded individuals of the organization, resources, equipment, and philosophy that is available to ensure equal opportunity and participation in employment and, more importantly, in life.

I recently completed work on a brochure for the Connecticut affiliate, which details the organization's work and what the NFB offers. The National Federation of the Blind has afforded me the opportunity to reach my goals and to assist others in obtaining their own.

My crowning achievement occurred on January 21, 1998: the day my son was born. When I lost my vision, I thought I had lost the opportunity of having a family, but as I saw other individuals who were blind, raising families of their own I realized that I did not have to limit my achievements because of my blindness. I merely needed to adapt and use alternative techniques. I cannot imagine my life without my son in it. Every time he smiles, my world lights up.

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