I recently stopped for a moment to reflect on my journey as an educator in
deafblindness. Like many who have juggled a full family, professional life, and
graduate school, taking time to think - let alone reflect - seemed like a strange luxury.
A friend, knowing I was at a crossroads in my journey, encouraged me to share with
others the "pearls" of wisdom that I have developed as a part of my deafblind
teaching experiences. Her encouragement and this brief interlude of reflection gave
me the chance to capture a few of my experiences in the field of deafblindness.
Pearls are interesting things. They are created when something unexpected
gets inside an oyster shell. The oyster coats the unfamiliar object with layer upon
layer until it becomes smooth and lustrous, something beautiful and of great worth.
My heart has been touched by the wonderful, yet mostly unexpected
opportunities that have unfolded in front of me. I can truly say my journey with deaf-
blindness has created numerous pearls, which I can figuratively cradle in my hands,
remember, and be ever so grateful for. As I examine my figurative pearls, my
experiences as an intervener, as a family support specialist, and as a deaf-blind
specialist, I treasure each experience. My experiences are just as precious to me as
pearls of great worth.
Pearls: Treasures from a Journey
in the Field of Deafblindness
Debbie Sanders
Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
Deaf-Blind Teacher Specialist
debbies@usdb.org
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