I came to the United States from Africa to live with my uncle Jim in Maryland. One year later, I lost my sight because of a serious illness.
Jim told me not to go out. He worried I would get lost or hit by a car. But I was dogged. I told him I'd pay attention. I believed I'd succeed. I must succeed. I must put my will into action. I dreamed of being a broadcaster.
Then a neighbor told me that a pubic library in Washington D. C. was offering a free course, specially designed for blind people. This was an important chance for me.
But how would I map my way? I knew that the American singer Ray Charles, also blind, got around on his own without a cane(手杖). His secret was to count steps. But I couldn't seem to do that way. Instead I developed my imagination, sensing the layout (布局) of places I visited and taking notes of landmarks in my mind.
A first, I would have to stop to imagine and map a new space in my mind. The next time I visited that place, I'd use that to find the way. Today, I am used to doing it. But I've still lost my way many times. I'd have to swallow my pride to ask for help, not thinking what others think or say about me.
Sometimes I'd be down and I'd consider giving up. Perhaps my uncle was right. Maybe I'd stay home and wait until someone came to help. On those days when I lost my way, I'd go to bed with a bad feeling ▲ . I had a strong wish to beat blindness and be successful, and that was usually enough to get me out of bed the next day and try again.
Along the way I learned to be patient with myself and realized that asking for help didn't diminish(贬低) me in any way. I've got three academic degrees so far.
Today, I'm a reporter and broadcaster. I've achieved my dream.
Yes, I've lost my way many times一 and found it again. Yes, I've come close to being hit by a car but never been hit by one. When people ask, "Aren't you afraid to be out alone?" the answer to me is clear: I would face danger and find happiness instead of staying home and being unhappy.
