My name is Michael Chang. I am sixteen years old and am a junior in high school. I was born with glaucoma, and with numerous surgeries, I have more vision now than ever before, while it is still rather limited. My right eye has only light perception, and my left can only read print with the aid of a CCTV or magnification software. I have, over the years, faced many challenges, in school and in life, but with tremendous help from my family--my mother, father, and two brothers--my teachers, and the many people I have encountered, I have had great successes in overcoming them.
I started learning Braille at the age of three or four in preschool, with the help of my then teacher Ginger Brown, and this knowledge has been the foundation for my ability to adapt in school. In elementary school, my TVIs Barbara Liston and Pat Leader helped me immensely, both in learning Braille and in transcribing all of my materials and work. Such a laudable task allowed me to get through elementary school with few challenges, but as I approached middle school, I required further adaptations.
I received a BrailleNote, a note taker capable of producing and storing files in Braille and exporting documents in print, in fifth grade, and I still use one today. I was also introduced to a portable CCTV, allowing me to read materials without requiring transcription, although I will always prefer Braille materials when possible. These two pieces of equipment remain the most important items in my backpack, especially in high school, where Braille materials, aside from textbooks, are hard to come by. In high school, I also found out about BookShare.org, an online resource containing a large collection of books in electronic format, which has allowed me to obtain most literature for my classes in Braille. With these resources, I have been rather successful in adapting to a far more independent lifestyle in high school, in which I am able to manage most situations on my own, though I do not neglect the value and assistance provided to me by my TVI, Dale DeBruin.
Resources are not the only thing necessary to survive, however, as sources of inspiration are invaluable for maintaining optimism and strength. My middle school TVI, Maria Kim, is certainly one such example. Being completely blind herself, she has greatly inspired both myself and my family, as well as provided us with numerous resources that I am sure to use as I prepare for college and beyond, such as the Department of Rehabilitation. Her positive attitude, enthusiastic character, and willingness to confront any challenges she encounters are qualities seldom seen in any person, much less one with a disability. My mother has often said that before she met Ms. Kim, she had a few reservations about my ability to succeed in life, but they have all vanished since then.
Needless to say, school is not the only important aspect of my life. The most notable thing I have done out of school is compete in the Braille Challenge, through the encouragement of Ms. Leader. Through that, I have met many people who share my experiences, providing me with even greater optimism and enthusiasm. Because of the contest, I have learned a lot about Braille, which will definitely be vital in my future.
Other than the contest, my non-academic activities generally involve computers. I gained a love for technology at a young age, thanks to my brothers. With the help of a screen magnifier, I am able to do most things sighted people are able to do on the computer, including play games, chat online, and create websites and programs. Though I have created nothing spectacular, I have learned numerous programming languages and thoroughly enjoy the experience. Aside from my interest in technology, I also greatly enjoy traveling. I have gone to Canada, China, Thailand, and Hawaii, to name the most significant. China was probably the most enriching, as I learned about my culture and ancestry--I am of Chinese descent, though I was born in the United States.
As I complete high school and prepare for college, my future seems somewhat uncertain. My brother has suggested that I apply to Stanford, and I do not object, but I need to do more research into the matter to find other colleges that interest me. I am considering a major in computer science, due to my love of technology, but that too is not set in stone. After college, I wish to become a TVI myself, both because I am aware of a shortage in teachers who know Braille and because I wish to give back to the community that has helped me so much throughout my life. Beyond that, I see no limitations for what my future holds, and with the continued support of the innumerable people around me, I feel as if I can accomplish just about anything.
Michael Chang
April 1, 2008
My name is Michael Chang. I am sixteen years old and am a junior in high school. I was born with glaucoma, and with numerous surgeries, I have more vision now than ever before, while it is still rather limited. My right eye has only light perception, and my left can only read print with the aid of a CCTV or magnification software. I have, over the years, faced many challenges, in school and in life, but with tremendous help from my family--my mother, father, and two brothers--my teachers, and the many people I have encountered, I have had great successes in overcoming them.