From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together
by Sania Kellogg
Content warning: This article discusses honor-based abuse.
From the Editor: Sania Kellogg is a board member of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Lincoln Chapter and currently serves as a Braille instructor at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where she received her own blindness skills training. Originally from the United Kingdom, she recounted her story to the 2025 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, whose president, Jamie Richey, sent it to us. Here is what Sania shared:
My mother often told me that I wouldn’t be independent, that I would rely on her for the rest of my life, that I would always need looking after. She said it would be difficult for me to get married, that no one would want to marry a blind person. And when it came to work, she told me the best job for me would be to become a writer, because at least I could do that from home, in a safe, sheltered space. Those words stayed with me for a long time, and for a while, I believed them. But as time went on, I realized something: I wasn’t going to let anyone, not even the people who were supposed to love me, define my limitations. I was determined to prove that my future could be one of independence, fulfillment, and endless possibility.
It’s a true honor to be here with you today at the National Federation of the Blind state convention. My name is Sania Kellogg, and I’m originally from the UK. Nearly two years ago, I made the decision to move to Nebraska, and it has been an exciting and fulfilling experience to be part of such a warm and welcoming community. In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to train at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where I spent the year learning and growing alongside inspiring individuals whose journeys fueled my own growth. The training was a life-changing experience, and it deepened my understanding of independence and the tools available to blind people. It was here that I truly learned how to navigate the world with confidence, gaining new skills and perspectives that have shaped who I am today. After completing my training, I’m now proud to be stepping into the role as the new Braille Instructor at the Nebraska Center for the Blind. It’s a position I’m deeply passionate about, and it’s a privilege to share my knowledge of Braille with others, empowering them to achieve independence in their own lives.
My connection to the National Federation of the Blind began in 2023 when I attended my first national convention in Houston, Texas. That experience was transformative, and it sparked my desire to become more involved. Since then, I’ve joined the Lincoln chapter, and I’ve been honored to serve as a board member since the start of 2024. Being part of this community has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to continue contributing, learning, and growing alongside all of you.
Outside of my work and NFB involvement, I’m a person who loves to stay connected with the world around me. I’m an avid reader and love diving into books that transport me to new places. I also enjoy socializing, traveling, and meeting new people, as it broadens my perspective and brings me joy. Music is a constant companion in my life, and I love winding down with a good TV show or movie. I’m excited to share my story with you today and to explore how our journeys shape who we are. To start, I’d like to take you back to where it all began, growing up in the UK, and the experiences that helped shape my perspective and determination.
My early years were shaped by a combination of formal education and personal challenges. I started out at a primary school for blind students, which in the UK covers children from ages four to eleven. It was there that I learned essential skills like using the white cane, Braille, and computers to navigate my world. I also began learning basic skills for everyday life, such as taking care of simple tasks and becoming more aware of my environment, which laid the groundwork for my future independence. However, when I was around nine or ten, the school closed down. I moved to a mainstream primary school. As one of the few blind students, I received help in classes, and any materials that weren’t accessible to me were transcribed into Braille. While this was an adjustment, I had a strong network of people who made sure I wasn’t left behind. When I finished primary school, I transitioned to a secondary school, which in the UK includes both middle school and high school. Here, I continued to receive support in my classes, and materials were made accessible. But as I got older, I realized the importance of not only academic learning but also of developing the confidence to advocate for myself and assert my independence.
At home, life was far from easy. My family dynamic was shaped by what is known as honor-based abuse, where every aspect of my life (my decisions, my movements, and my future) was controlled in the name of family honor. This environment was suffocating. My mother was extremely controlling. She limited my freedom, believing that my blindness meant I needed constant supervision and protection from the world. I wasn’t allowed to make my own choices or even experience the normal freedoms that other children enjoyed. I felt trapped, as if my life was already written for me by someone else, based on their fears and restrictions, rather than my own hopes and dreams. But I didn’t want to accept that. I knew I deserved more, more than being confined by someone else’s beliefs and limitations. It took years of internal struggle, of feeling like my wings were clipped, but deep down, I knew I had to break free.
In July 2013, two months before my eighteenth birthday, and with still a year left of secondary school, I made the life-altering decision to leave home. With the support of school staff who believed in me, I gathered the courage to walk away from everything I had known, stepping into the unknown. It was terrifying, but it was also liberating. I moved into supported accommodation, where I had my own apartment, and began learning how to navigate life on my own while still continuing my studies. Leaving home was not just a physical act; it was a declaration that I would no longer allow anyone to define my limits. I was determined to create my own future. I learned how to manage my education while developing the skills I needed for independent living and travel. It wasn’t easy, but every small victory felt like a triumph over the circumstances that had once held me back. I then went on to university in September 2014, where I lived in my own apartment and continued to grow in my independence. In November 2017, I graduated with a degree in English Literature, proud of all I had accomplished. After university, I continued to live independently, maintaining my own apartment and pursuing various voluntary roles. In September 2020, I began my first job, an apprenticeship as a customer service advisor. I qualified in 2021 and continued in the role until 2023, when I made the life-changing decision to move to the US, ready to embark on a new chapter of my journey.
The decision to move to the US was one of the most significant steps in my life, and it was motivated by love. In 2012, I met my husband online, and from the very beginning, there was something undeniably special between us. We made our relationship official in August 2013. Our connection grew stronger with each passing day, and over the years, we built a bond based on trust, laughter, and shared dreams. We visited each other every year, taking turns to travel between the UK and the US. While these visits were always too short, they were filled with joy and anticipation as we explored new places together and strengthened our relationship, despite the distance. The long-distance nature of our relationship wasn’t easy, but it taught us the true meaning of patience and commitment. In 2017, after years of building our connection, he proposed, and in that moment, I knew my future was with him. But love, as beautiful as it is, isn’t always without its challenges. As much as we cherished our visits, we both dreamed of a life where we didn’t have to say goodbye each time. We wanted to be together, to share a home, to create our future side by side. In 2021, we officially embarked on the immigration journey together. It was a long and challenging process, but we knew the reward would be worth it. After navigating the paperwork, interviews, and waiting periods, I finally received my fiancée visa in 2023. It was a dream come true, and I was ready to start our life together in the US. This move was more than just a change of location; it was a commitment to our love and our future. It was an act of courage, filled with hope, as we faced the unknown together. A new life, new adventures, and endless possibilities awaited us.
As I prepared to settle in the US, I also looked forward to the opportunities I would have to grow and expand my knowledge. In the UK, while there was some training available for blind people, it didn’t offer the same in-depth resources as the US. The UK lacks the kind of dedicated training centers that provide comprehensive programs for blind individuals to gain full independence. Although I received some training in the UK—learning Braille, independent living skills, and travel—there were gaps. The training wasn’t as immersive or as extensive as the programs available here. Arriving in Nebraska, I was blown away by the difference in resources and opportunities. I had the chance to train at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where I was able to immerse myself in a structured, hands-on environment that provided the depth and range of skills I had longed for. It was here that I learned to master independent living and travel, gaining the confidence I needed to live life to the fullest. The level of support, the expertise of the trainers, and the community of blind individuals working together made all the difference. This move wasn’t just about a change of location; it was about fully embracing a new life, filled with opportunities for growth and empowerment. And now, with my husband by my side, I’m more excited than ever to continue this journey together, one that blends love, independence, and the desire to continually push forward.
As I settled into life in Nebraska, I realized there was one more step I needed to take to fully embrace my new life and the independence I had worked so hard to build: finding a community that could support, inspire, and challenge me. That’s when I discovered the National Federation of the Blind. The Federation is not just an organization. It’s a movement, a community of individuals who, like me, are committed to living independently, advocating for their rights, and breaking down barriers that stand in our way. When I first learned about the Federation, I felt an immediate connection. Here was a group that not only provided the tools and training I needed, but also shared a vision of a world where blindness isn’t a limitation, but an opportunity for growth and self-determination. Joining the NFB has had a profound impact on my life. It’s given me the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, to learn from mentors who have navigated challenges with grace and resilience, and to find my own voice in advocating for myself and others. The NFB has empowered me to take control of my future in ways I never imagined, and I’m honored to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.
As I reflect on my journey (my move from the UK to the US, my personal growth, and the incredible opportunities I’ve had to learn and thrive), I’m reminded that no challenge is insurmountable. Every step I’ve taken has been driven by a belief in my own potential and the desire to live a life full of independence, joy, and purpose. And as I look forward to the future, I’m excited to continue growing, to keep pushing boundaries, and to share my experiences with others who are on their own journeys.
For anyone who feels uncertain or unsure of their path, I want to leave you with this: You are capable of so much more than you realize. The road ahead may have its obstacles, but each challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to prove to yourself that you can overcome anything. No one else can define your potential; only you can do that. Keep pushing forward, trust in your abilities, and know that you are never alone in this journey. Let’s continue to live the lives we want and make our dreams a reality. Thank you.