Welcome to Part 5 of my blog series. Click the links to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4. Also, please email me with any feedback that you might have on the series. Now, continuing on to 26 – present.
26: I cannot take down credit card information.
After graduation, I moved out to San Diego for a job. While I was there, I thought it would be neat to volunteer for the Red Cross.
I was placed on the donation line. I received my first call and the caller stated that they would like to make a donation. I pulled up the screen to put in their credit card information and immediately realized that I could not take down their credit card information. I was jumbling the spelling of their name and the credit card number. After the call, I got up from my station and told my supervisor, “I’m sorry. I cannot do this.”
Though I was remediated, I realized that I still had my weaknesses. Luckily, there are always other ways to volunteer.
28: I can’t do my job and drive.
At this point, I am living in Dallas and working at an eLearning company as a developer. I soon realized on the job that I could not see after a while or drive home safely after work. I began to panic and tried to research jobs that I could do with my eyes closed.
Then I remembered reading that book about vision therapy. I started to search for an optometrist who offered vision therapy in Dallas. With luck, there was, and I started doing therapy for one hour twice a week. I did the therapy for about a year before moving to Tampa. There, I found another optometrist offering vision therapy and I continued for another two years.
31: I can read, drive, and see 3D.
After my years of vision therapy, I was finally able to read, drive, and lastly see 3D on and off. I was so excited about these newfound abilities that I decided to pursue optometry school to become an optometrist and help others with their vision. Maybe my optometry office will have a race-car chair and an extensive prize drawer.
32: I think I am invincible until I take the OAT.
I personally thought that since I did all this vision therapy, I could take standardized tests without a problem. My mom repeatedly warned me, “Betsy, please request accommodations. You qualify for them, so please use them.” I wanted to prove her wrong and that I could do it without them. I signed up to take the Optometry Admissions Test, which is administered on a computer.
Come test day, I realized, “No, I cannot read questions on a low-resolution monitor. My eyes are crossing.” I bombed the exam. It was a reminder that although I had completed therapy, I still had some limitations to what I could do and also, yes, Mom is right most of the time.
33: I am a part of this world.
When I see in 3D, I feel like I am really in the space. When I hear and speak, I am able to engage with others. Now that I can see, hear, and speak, I am no longer a bystander, but a true part of this world.
At times, I find myself reverting to my old ways, but then I stop myself and say, “No, Betsy, what are you fearing? You can speak, hear, and see, so do it!” I do not want to take these abilities for granted, but take action every day to form deeper connections with those around me, especially with those I love.
I am so thankful for all of the therapy I have had. I would have not come this far without it.
Please, if you are questioning therapy, give it a try. Who knows what possibilities it will bring? If you have any questions or need some support, please email me through the contact form.
I am here for you.
Sincerely,
Betsy