VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 3
part of the project, which will provide the foundation to a qualitative interview
process.
Introduction
I am a first-generation immigrant from Budapest, Hungary. A couple of
months after I turned 25, an opportunity provided itself for a visit to California.
The visit was planned for six months, but I soon found myself settled with work
and relationships. Ultimately, this intended visit led me to abandon my law school
admittance and opt to start over on a new continent. Nevertheless, my desire to
continue my education never ceased.
While I worked full time in special education, I first completed
correspondence courses in three fields that led to certifications and helped me
understand American standards of education, while growing my knowledge of
English. I was unable to transfer my degree from Eastern Europe, therefore I was
taking classes to become a preschool teacher at the local community college. When
it came time to transfer, I chose elementary school teaching. All the meanwhile
working in special education. The serendipitous turning point which led me to the
field of visual impairments came in my third year of undergraduate studies at San
Francisco State University, CA. I needed one more class for my special education
minor and I landed in Introduction to Visual Impairments (VI), taught by Tony
Fletcher, the director of Enchanted Hills Camp, CA.
