(Photo by Danny Fulgencio)
Just a few weeks ago, Rafael Martinez Salazar was looking forward to the last stretch of senior year. The Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy that Rafael attends in Old East Dallas had a lineup of senior activities to celebrate the end of a long and stressful academic journey.
Then the coronavirus hit.
Dallas ISD schools closed for the year, jeopardizing milestones that have become rights of passage for graduating seniors across the United States. The likelihood that students will get to toss their caps in a commencement ceremony seems to diminish every day.
Im like, Are you serious? Its the last part of senior year, Rafael says. Its supposed to be fun. Im not going to get to do all this stuff. Thats messed up.
Rafael may feel cheated, but hes following the rules. Hes staying home and logging in to Google Classroom, where his teachers take attendance and post assignments. He can complete his work in just a few hours.
Distance learning is all right, but I liked it better when it was physical, Rafael says. After a while, it gets boring. Its like, What do I do now? I take a walk to take my mind off it.
The next few weeks will be full of uncertainty for seniors as graduation, summer school and financial aid hang in the balance of factors beyond their control. Whatever happens, Rafael knows he can overcome any obstacle. Hes been doing it all his life.
Rafael has had vision problems for as long as he can remember. As a child, he struggled to read the letters during a vision test at school. He met with an eye specialist, and on his 11th birthday, he was diagnosed with Stargardtdisease, a degenerative disorder that causes progressive vision loss.
There is no cure or treatment, but there are resources. During school, Rafael sits at the front of the class, and his teachers provide him with large-print worksheets. For online assignments, he uses the accessibility options on his phone and computer to enlarge the font.
He manages so well that most people dont know he has a disability. That doesnt stop unassuming folks from asking why he holds his phone so close to his face. Sometimes, he just doesnt feel like explaining.
I just say I dont have my contacts in, Rafael says.
Rafael has coped with the stigma of being visually impaired since childhood. While other kids tried to tear him down by calling him names, Rafael focused on his strength.
It didnt kill me, he says. Its like, Youre trying to knock me down because Im doing something right.
The senior is in the top 10 percent of his class academically, and last fall, he landed the coveted role of drum major at his home school. The position relies heavily on sight, but using the beat, Rafael memorizes the steps and directs the band when to play.
Becoming drum major was a yearslong dream for Rafael, who joined the band in middle school. The first instrument he learned to play was the saxophone. Since then, hes taught himself to play eight instruments, including the French horn, trumpet, piano and guitar. He sight-reads using oversized sheet music, then memorizes the piece until it becomes second nature.
Sometimes you have dreams for your kids, and sometimes they cant always be realized, says Christian Haley, Rafaels instructional support specialist. He could use his disability as an excuse, but he doesnt. I know hes going to advocate for himself and get the help that he needs.
This fall, Rafael plans to attend the historically black university Prairie View A&M on a full-ride scholarship. He wants to play in the Marching Storm while majoring in music education and minoring in music production. Hes got his sights set on becoming a band director or a music producer who creates hit radio tracks.
My disability doesnt mean I cant do something just as good, if not better, Rafael says. My mom would tell me, Youre not supposed to let this stop you. Things dont just happen for no reason. Youre going to be great one of these days.
See the original post here:
How this drum major overcame vision loss and marched his way to success - Advocate Media
- 10 Daily Habits That Will Help You Protect Your Eye Health - CNET - January 25th, 2024
- Undergoing cataract surgery when it's not necessary? Some do it to improve their eyesight, but it's not without risk - The Conversation Indonesia - January 25th, 2024
- Sight Care Reviews - Is It Safe to Use? The Most Important Fact to Know Before Buy! - Kent Reporter - January 25th, 2024
- Apple has big and cartoonish plans for Vision Pro's EyeSight - AppleInsider - January 25th, 2024
- National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2024 - PR Web - January 25th, 2024
- Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Practical Solutions - Medriva - January 25th, 2024
- 8 Eye Issues You Should Never Ignore - Right as Rain by UW Medicine - January 9th, 2024
- Digital eye strain is a growing issue as the muscles of the eyes work overtime, warn vision experts - Fox News - January 9th, 2024
- Know the Facts About Glaucoma - MedicineNet - January 9th, 2024
- New Year, New Vision: Top Resolutions For Optimal Eye Health - ABP Live - January 9th, 2024
- Childhood Myopia and Its Impact on Vision Loss: What Causes It? - News18 - January 9th, 2024
- What you see first in optical illusion can reveal a lot about you but youll need 20/20 vision to spot hi... - The Sun - January 9th, 2024
- The Importance of Eye Care: Preventing Vision Impairments and Maintaining Good Eye Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Six ways to look after your eyes in 2024 - The Conversation - December 30th, 2023
- 6 Essential Ways to Safeguard and Improve Your Vision in 2024 - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Obvious Hoax or Safe Pills That Work? Fake Scams to Avoid | Courier-Herald - Enumclaw Courier-Herald - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Honest Customer Warning! Real Eyesight Support or Fake Hype? - Bothell-Kenmore Reporter - December 30th, 2023
- Global Intraocular Lens Market Surges with Innovations in Vision Correction | CAGR of 5.6% - PharmiWeb.com - December 30th, 2023
- Infection of the eye, and how to protect vision - The Hindu - December 30th, 2023
- Optical Illusion Eye Test: Can you find the dog in the street in 7 seconds? - Jagran Josh - December 30th, 2023
- You have 20/20 vision if you can find the hidden chick amongst these ducks - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Eye Doc: Look *Here* While You Drive + 8 More Genius Tips to Improve Night Vision Behind The Wheel - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Designer creates inclusive clothing company after losing eyesight - Fox Business - December 22nd, 2023
- What is the state of American eyesight? - USAFacts - December 22nd, 2023
- When temporary vision loss in one eye isn't a sign of stroke - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- 10 Hacks That Can Naturally Boost Your Eye Health Today - CNET - December 22nd, 2023
- SightCare Reviews (Critical Customer Warning!) Know The Sight Care Facts Before Buy - Ukiah Daily Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the building with the hole in it but only those with 20/20 vision can find the giant C... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Flashes, shimmers and blind spots: Here's what migraine aura looks like - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Doctors Reveal the Snack That Cuts Your Risk of Vision-Clouding Cataracts in Half - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Yoga For Healthy Vision: 5 Extraordinary Yogasanas To Improve Eyesight - Netmeds.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the teddy bears but you have 20/20 vision if you can see the bee in the bedroom in under... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeers blue eyes act as night vision goggles to help them find food in winter - The Guardian - December 22nd, 2023
- 6 Bad Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Eyesight - Money Talks News - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeer vision may have evolved to spot favorite food in the snowy dark of winter - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- Human eyes: How they work, and their amazing anatomy - BBC Science Focus Magazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Why reindeer eyes shine blue in the winter - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Can Everyone Unfocus Their Eyes On Command? - IFLScience - December 22nd, 2023
- You have the eyes of a hunter if you can spot the dogs owner in the picture in 8 seconds! - Jagran Josh - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can see the Christmas trees but you could have 20/20 vision if you can spot the star hiding in t... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Here's how eye exams can reveal several health conditions beyond your sight - The Record (New Westminster) - December 22nd, 2023
- At Bread for the Citys vision clinic, patients can see clearly now - The Washington Post - December 13th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Is Official Website for Sight Care Legit to Try or Scam (2024) | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - December 13th, 2023
- The Benefits of Donning Prescription Sunglasses for Vision Correction and Protection - Anti Aging News - December 13th, 2023
- Vision Pro training of Apple retail store employees to start soon - BGR - December 13th, 2023
- 6 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Healthy Eyes - CNET - December 13th, 2023
- Eye Health: How to Protect Eyes From Digital Strain, Vision Loss and More? 5 Tips - India.com - December 13th, 2023
- How to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyesight - WATE 6 On Your Side - October 16th, 2023
- Can Optical Illusions Improve Vision? Know The Best One That Benefits Eyesight - Times Now - May 17th, 2023
- Motus GI Announces Executive Leadership Restructuring and Additional Cost Saving Initiatives to Support Near-Term Milestones - April 15th, 2023
- Revolution Medicines to Participate in 22nd Annual Needham Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- GENFIT Reports Full-Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update - April 15th, 2023
- Kane Biotech to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results on April 20, 2023 – Conference Call to Follow - April 15th, 2023
- Biomea Fusion To Present Two Preclinical Posters at the 114th AACR Annual Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- Cabaletta Bio to Present at the 22nd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- Syneos Health Schedules First Quarter 2023 Earnings Call for Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Oncternal Therapeutics Participating in Oppenheimer & Co.’s Virtual Fireside Chat: Discussion of ROR1 CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematological... - April 15th, 2023
- Travere Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) - April 15th, 2023
- Alvotech Provides Regulatory Update on AVT02 Biologics License Application - April 15th, 2023
- Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. to Report Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Operational Progress on April 19, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Additional Future Royalty Revenue Stream for Nicox from 2024 following New Drug Application Submission for ZERVIATE in China - April 15th, 2023
- Ultimovacs ASA – Disclosure of voting rights of Annual General Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- QIAGEN showcases latest technologies to advance cancer research at AACR Annual Meeting 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- ITM lädt zu Symposium und Messestand auf der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin in Leipzig ein - April 15th, 2023
- International Carrot Day: From healthy eyesight to weight loss - 5 wonderful benefits of carrot - Zee Business - April 7th, 2023
- How the Human Eye Works | Cornea Layers/Role | Light Rays - NKCF.org - December 11th, 2022
- Eye Emergencies: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention - Healthline - November 25th, 2022
- The criteria for certification | RNIB - November 25th, 2022
- Foresight: Eye-Net Successfully Showcases its Advanced Solution to Leading OEMs and Tier One Suppliers in Japan - Marketscreener.com - November 25th, 2022
- Can you see me now? Average person begins worrying about their vision at age 39 - Study Finds - September 29th, 2022
- Contact lens wearers at higher risk of rare eye infection are you caring for your lenses the right way? - News24 - September 29th, 2022
- A man who popped a champagne cork into his eye says it felt like being poked 'times a thousand.' His vision was saved after months of treatment but it... - September 29th, 2022
- Whitsett Vision Group First to Use Revolutionary New Lens to Dramatically Improve Patients' Eyesight - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2022
- 'As one door closes, another opens': Adelaide man turned to yoga, meditation after major vision loss - SBS - September 29th, 2022
- Stephen Curry, whose $185,000 worth vehicle almost took his life, is sure to lose his eyesight due to a genetic defect - The Sportsrush - September 29th, 2022
- NCCVEH Names Dr. Donny W. Suh, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine, as Recipient of the 8th Annual Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children's Vision... - September 29th, 2022
- XP Health Raises $17.1M Series A to Transform Vision Benefits for Insurance Carriers, Companies and Employees - PR Web - September 29th, 2022
- Everything You Need To Know About Ocular Herpes Zoster: Symptoms, Treatment, And Complications - World Nation News - September 29th, 2022
- Blurry vision turned out be tumour behind Exeter woman's eye - Devon Live - April 26th, 2022
- Woman who lost half her body weight sheds the stones for second time after sight loss - Yahoo News - April 26th, 2022