by Justine Shorter

Once held back by vision loss, this 18-year-old woman begins her academic career at Marquette University

In the fall of my freshman year of high school glaucoma caused my sight to worsen and I was declared legally blind. Despite being a writer, I seldom find the words to describe the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges I went through while experiencing the world around me fade to darkness.

Due to my vision loss, I could no longer see the print in my text books, lines on notebook paper or information presented on chalkboards or overhead projectors. As a result, my grades suffered immensely throughout the first three quarters of high school. By the end of that year, I began accepting the nature of my visual impairment and sought out spiritual relief and academic assistance, starting a path to regaining my independence.

By my senior year, I was ready for Orientation and Mobility training at the
Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired. When I opened my mind to the idea of me with a cane, the world was opened up to me. I began to travel around the city freely, safely and independently. I now tell people that the Badger Association was the pivotal link in my life, separating my fears from my future aspirations. I am now confident in navigating busy streets which is solidified each day as I conquer the sea of traffic in downtown Milwaukee on Marquette University’s campus.

As a new freshman at Marquette University majoring in Journalism, I don’t allow my vision loss to interfere with my goals. I have recently create a radio show, The Voice of Justice on WMUR Marquette Radio, designed to create a platform for students, administrators and community leaders to come together as we discuss how to bring about social justice issues and change on campus, in the community and across the world. My vision loss is still an obstacle, but the training I received at the Badger Association taught me there are endless ways of overcoming the daily challenges.
It’s been a tool for me to access many helpful resources to make my life easier.
To learn more about safe cane travel, contact the Badger Association’s Vision Rehabilitation Services, 414-615-0121.