I could not believe this was happening to my life after I had spent my early childhood life playing with my friends, and doing everything on my own but now I needed someone to be my side in order to move. I had to be away from my parents and friends since I was joining Antonia school for the blind and could only meet up with them during the weekends. As much I knew that this school was going to help me be independent and learn how to relate with other people in my situation, the change was too big for me because I still felt that I needed my friends to be with me.
I was born sighted but lost my sights at the age of 13 years after reacting to malaria treatment made me lose my sight. According to my parents, they really struggled with medical personnel’s in attempts to restore my sight but to no avail. Upon realizing that I could not regain my sight back, they got determined to find me a school for the blind so that I could continue with my studies and learn to be independent.
I had learnt to do things on my own being the only child to my parents. I used to do my homework on my own, write and read with my eyes and even help my mom with setting the table and washing the dishes which I enjoyed so much but my life completely changed since I lost my sight. Every time I tried to walk around the house, life was not the same to me, I stumbled and fell because I could no longer see the way I used to. Losing my sight really changed my lifestyle, I stopped being the happy girl I used to be and spent most of my time alone and crying. I could not come into terms that I will never see my lovely parents and friends faces again.
I joined Antonia school for the blind and this was like a nightmare to me for I hated it even though I knew this would change my life for the better. At first, I thought I would be going back home after school but that was not the case, I had to stay in school so that I could learn to do things on my own. Being the only child, I never used to share my room with anyone but in school, I had to share my room with a roommate. This was a very big change for me for I had never shared a room with anyone but I got relieved on learning that she was blind like me too. Bessy was very friendly and we did so many things together. The students in this school were very friendly and we helped each at all times.
Another big change that I encountered is how to use a cane to walk and before I used to walk on my own. Our mobility teacher was very loving and compassionate. Mrs. Avery showed me how to hold and walk around with my cane. At first, I felt scared and had no confidence in doing it but thanks to Mrs. Avery that I made it. As I continued walking around with my cane, I felt independent because my mom was not there to hold my hand as I walk.
The next morning I was to attend my Braille class. This was now the biggest change in my life for I used to use my eyes to read, book and pen to write but here I was to use the Braille machine that I could not even see but feel it with my hands. It was a big challenge to me but at the end of my first lesson, I had already learnt how to write my name. That night I called my parents and I was very happy to tell them about my achievements.
The Antonia school for the blind really changed my life. I was able to learn how to read and write despite my blindness. I also learnt how to be independent and do things on my own and also how to live with others. Before, I had my sight but I had to learn to live with the fact that I was to spend the rest of my life blind. I am very grateful to my parents, teachers and friends for the support I got form
