Nothing is Impossible

Living with BBS and blindness can make finding employment quite challenging. Because of my disability, I have never really had a job before; however, doors are finally beginning to open for me. Doors started opening because I was brave and boldly put it out there that I would love to have a job. I spoke with the president of the BBS Foundation and mentioned that if an opportunity ever arose, I would love to become more involved with the foundation. And guess what? That boldness led to a job; I am now the Social Media Manager for the BBS Foundation. This role means more to me than just a job. It has given me a real sense of purpose and a way to use my voice, my story, and my creativity to support others in the BBS community and help people feel seen and understood. As if becoming the Social Media Manager for the BBS Foundation wasn’t exciting enough, another unexpected opportunity recently came my way when BioNews reached out to me about becoming a columnist. At BioNews, I will be writing a weekly column sharing my experiences and perspective. For me, this opportunity is about so much more than writing a column, it’s another way to use my voice, share hope, spread awareness, encourage others, and connect with others in the rare disease and disability community. These new roles as the BBS Foundation Social Media Manager and a BioNews columnist have shown me that disability does not define capability. And these opportunities have reminded me that even though I live with blindness and disability, I am still capable of having a job. It just may take some adaptation. Being blind and having a job can be challenging; however, I am incredibly thankful for these opportunities because these employers looked past my disability and gave me an opportunity-  a chance to have purpose, a chance to share my story, an opportunity to encourage others, and an opportunity to truly feel like an adult.

Looking back, I am proud of myself for being brave enough to share pieces of my story with the world. I am proud of the way one bold move has led to new opportunities, new purpose, and new ways to use my voice.

The worst answer you will ever get is “no,” so ask the questions, put those seemingly crazy ideas out there, and be brave enough to try because you never know where an opportunity may arise. Blindness does not define capability. Different is not bad, and nothing is impossible; sometimes, it just takes adaptation.

Live life boldly!