Through reading the description of this particular week's assignment, reflecting on the requirements posed a slight challenge. I chose to work from the end to the beginning on this assignment. I once attended an exhibit titled "Dialogue in the Dark" which was created by a group of individuals that were visually impaired. The exhibit was nearly an hour long and using your guide stick, visitors were instructed and guided through four different exhibits as a visually impaired individual. I initially became fearful because I was covered with darkness, not a light in sight was made available. My eyes were open but still couldn't see a thing. Our four exhibits consisted of going to a grocery store and shopping for groceries with real fruit; another exhibit consisted of going to a beach and getting on a sail boat; the third exhibit consisted of walking through a park; and our last exhibit was crossing a very busy intersection. Utilizing each of my senses was vital but more importantly my other senses became more alert/ sharp.
From this exhibit and life changing experience, I would say the challenges that I may slightly be posed with as a visually impaired individual are not far from the ability to see. I would miss seeing the Earth change, the flowers blossom, the vibrant colors or the world. On a day to day basis, with countless objectives on one day's agenda, we at times overlook the actual "support" whether big or small. As I reflect, I can denote having small conversations with my mother and father gives me a boost of excitement or joy. When arriving to school/work and receiving hugs from my students make me feel as though I am needed, it's nothing like a good hug to make you feel appreciated. There have been times where unexpected expenses arrive and having supportive parents to help when help is needed is wonderful support. I find support to be defined as a means of vine supporting a stem, or roots supporting a stem so that the stem may allow the flower to blossom. Support in my opinion are a group of arms intertwined together strong never unbending and unyielding and rooted strongly to lift one person at a time to the next step or next level. Support in my opinion is pulling one person at a time to venture even further than anticipated. "It takes a village."
