Marvel Optics Scholarship Essay

Newborn babies see most clearly objects that are about eight to fifteen inches away. Our life begins with an extremely limited scope of vision–literally and figuratively. As we develop and mature, our field of vision broadens. Our ability to experience the world around us expands, as do our opportunities. We have the privilege to walk the pathways that were pioneered by people who were world-changers. Some of these world-changers have forged their paths by overcoming great challenges with determination, commitment, and vision, giving us inspiration for our own journeys.

Helen Keller is one world-changer whose impact we can still feel today. She once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having no vision.” In my opinion, this quote captures the tragedy of not being able to envision a future goal for yourself or others. Her ability to imagine a future full of opportunities for all people was not hampered by her physical barriers.  On the contrary, Helen often saw with clarity those who went unnoticed by society. It’s this vision of hers that spurred her to co-found the American Civil Liberties Union, an organization dedicated to ensuring the rights of all people. She was passionately committed to pursuing excellence and making sure others had equal opportunities in spite of society’s artificially placed limitations. Her legacy lives on today.

Organizations, businesses, and individuals can be a positive influence for the creation of a brighter, better future for all people. In an age when leaders tend to sacrifice vision to maintain the status quo, it’s my hope that we’ll follow Helen Keller’s example. We must have a vision that compels us to do the hard work of trying new approaches, tearing down misconceptions, and challenging the business-as-usual mentality. Through the continuation of my higher education, I’m committing myself to being a part of this effort to make the world better for all people by prioritizing accessibility to technology for people who are differently-abled. Helen Keller knew the world was wide enough for all people to flourish; it’s time for our vision and actions to reflect this reality.

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