As you likely already know, today is the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech in Washington, DC. I think about how appreciative I am to live in a country where people such as King have stood up for the rights of all individuals, including persons who are blind or visually impaired. Helen Keller is also one of those people who stood up for the rights of all. She educated populations about how persons with disabilities can be an integral part of society. I am psyched to work at an organization where Helen Keller also manned a desk.
I grew up with Martin Luther King, Jr. as one of my major idols or inspirations—most little boys had G.I. Joe or He-Man. King inspired me back then and still does to this day. I have look to other influential persons for inspiration, and Helen Keller is definitely another.
Similarly, I have had different mentors in my life ranging from a high school football coach (Phil Longo) to a friend in Tallahassee, FL (Michael Elliott). I have had mentors for living life and others for my career, including Dr. Karen Wolffe. We can have different idols and different mentors for many aspects of our lives.
Truly, they may not even realize the impact they had on you or still have on you. Phil Longo, my football coach, was the person who pushed me to start writing. He asked me to help write a newsletter about our football program. The articles in that newsletter were my first articles. I never had the inclination to write. I told him this a few years ago, but he never realized the impact. I am grateful to all who have inspired me and continue to inspire me.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teachings and life have impacted my life and feelings about others. I attempt to live my life with respect to all. I may fail at times, but I try my best to reach for his standards.
We have many mentors in our lives. I can add that my parents and brothers are mentors to me. There are successful CEOs and Executive Directors who are blind or visually impaired around the United States that I consider mentors. Mentors are persons that you can learn from, and ask advice of when needed. I obviously cannot ask Martin Luther King, Jr. for advice, but I reflect on his message often.
If you are looking for a mentor for your career as a person who is blind or visually impaired, please check out AFB CareerConnect. Sign up to be a mentor or connect with a mentor— either way, you are making a difference in someone's life.
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