American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2018 CONVENTION PERSPECTIVES
Impressions of My First National Convention
by Trisha Kulkarni
Reprinted from the Buckeye Bulletin, Summer 2018
From the Editor: A native of Ohio, Trisha Kulkarni is currently a freshman at Stanford University. At the 2018 NFB National Convention she was awarded the Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science.
My pulse begins drumming in my ears as I leave my dad's side, mount the stairs, and find my place on the banquet stage. It has been an exciting week of new friendships and opportunities, but now it is time for the final moment everyone has been waiting for. I hear the thousands of spectators in the audience take in a collective breath of excitement, and the scholarship presentation begins.
Looking back, it is humbling to think about the power one phone call had to change the course of my life as I knew it. In early May I received a call from Sachin Pavithran, informing me that I had been chosen to be a part of the 2018 NFB scholarship class and that I would be attending the national convention in July. At the time I was completely oblivious to the incredible opportunity I had been given—not recognizing how difficult it had been to be selected for such an honor. However, after attending the national convention in Orlando, Florida, as I prepare to move across the country to begin my undergraduate studies, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the empowering experience I had last summer. Despite not knowing many other blind individuals and being the only blind student in my high school, I was fortunate to have many people in school who devoted time and effort to helping me succeed. Little did I know that attending convention following graduation would expand my scope of community far past the boundaries of my hometown and open new doors to an independent and fulfilling life.
From the moment I walked into the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and heard the echo of thousands of canes tapping through the halls, I knew that attending a national convention would be like no other experience I had had before. To be perfectly honest, I was quite scared to be traveling through such a massive hotel independently while trying to juggle the busy schedule of a scholarship finalist. By no means was it easy to stay oriented among the crowds of people, but I came to find that there is a certain thrill that comes only from finding your way in such a vast environment. For the first time in my life, I had the freedom to venture out and discover my surroundings without the fear of embarrassment or judgment. Whether it was rushing to meet my mentor for breakfast or exploring with friends late at night, I learned that I was capable of navigating the convention madness independent of my sighted peers. As I trod the frenzied halls, I began to find my own direction and purpose.
With this realization I felt liberated to dive into the many exciting events and opportunities the convention had to offer. I came to appreciate that the NFB is responsible for many of the progressive efforts that bridge the gap between blind individuals and their dreams. From trips to the Independence Market to listening to the Ohio caucus meeting, there seemed to be an endless number of opportunities to find resources. I attended division meetings on topics from computer science to handling a guide dog, and I gained exposure to innovative technology such as 3D printing and smart glasses. Through joining NABS, the National Association of Blind Students, I learned of the resources and tools that have been most useful for students in college and beyond. Although it was impossible to find time for all of the events that interested me, what was most empowering to me was realizing that, no matter what a person's background and interests are there is a place for them within the Federation.
Even more valuable than the resources and exposure I gained from coming to convention were the relationships I built as a part of the scholarship class. Having met only a few blind people in my entire life, the national convention was the first time I had the opportunity to network with blind people of all ages, pursuits, and values. I met students who had faced similar academic barriers in the classroom. I connected with professionals who share the same interests as I have, and, perhaps most comforting, I found people who share my roots. The Ohio delegation welcomed me into their family with open arms and a shared determination to help me succeed.
On the final day of convention, my dad surprised me by coming to watch the banquet. I was not able to sit with the Ohio delegation on that final night, but nevertheless I felt my state proudly cheering me on as I accepted my award. Although I will be attending college in California, Ohio will always be the place I call home, and I am so appreciative of the support the NFB of Ohio has shown me.
Additionally, I had the privilege to be mentored by members of the scholarship committee throughout the week of events. At first I was nervous to be spending time with such impressive and experienced members of the NFB, but I soon understood that the mentoring program is not meant to be a test but a remarkable asset. Especially as a new member, I had many questions about the structure and function of the organization. Having role models to guide me through the process made my experience much more rewarding. Despite their busy schedules, it was empowering to see how the members of the scholarship committee devoted time to advising their mentees and helping them get the most out of their time. Whether it was the many phone calls I made to Barbara Pierce prior to my departure for Florida, the hushed conversations I had with Pam Allen during general sessions after her re-election, or the in-depth discussion about my academic goals with Kathryn Webster over lunch, I will carry the connections and memories I created as a finalist with me no matter where my life takes me.
Although convention is now over and it is time to start my undergraduate career, it is only the beginning of my work with the NFB. Since leaving Orlando, I have joined the fundraising committee of the California Association of Blind Students and have kept in touch with members of my scholarship class. The financial gift that I received will certainly be helpful in funding my academic endeavors, but I will forever be grateful for the relationships and ongoing resources that my scholarship has provided me. I know that, with the force of the NFB behind me, I will turn my dreams into reality and live the life I want.
It seems as though time slows down onstage as we wait for the awards to be presented, but finally the names begin to be called, and I listen intently. Disbelief takes over as first five, then ten, then fifteen names are called, and I do not hear my name yet. Did I miss it? Suddenly we are down to the last few, and I hear Ms. Mendez announce, "Trisha Kulkarni, Ohio, California!"
I feel a grin take over my face as the crowd applauds. As memories of the many moments that brought me to this point flow through my mind, tears fill my eyes. I am overcome with gratitude for the experience of a lifetime. I know that this moment will be one that I remember, and I think to myself, I can't wait to return again next year.
Media Share
