An Inspiring Sendoff for Class of 2010
During her time at Perkins School for the Blind, Minh put into practice the ideals her family taught her and, in doing so, realized her own potential.
“I’m a great advocate for myself,” said Minh, the senior class speaker at Perkins’ 2010 graduation ceremony. “I have seen firsthand the power we as students have when we all work together.”
Minh, who was born blind and was adopted from a Vietnam orphanage when she was six years old, began her speech with a song of thanks to the family, friends, and teachers who believed in her and gave her the courage to pursue her dreams. (Click here to read graduate bios).
“There truly is a place in this world where a community can help each other to grow and succeed. That place is Perkins.”
In his commencement address, Rabbi Dennis Gary Shulman, Ph.D, offered Minh and her fellow graduates valuable advice earned from his own experiences – specifically the three worst days of his life.
Having gradually begun losing his eyesight as a child, Shulman was crushed when his parents locked away his prized bicycle at age 13, saying it was too dangerous for him to continue riding around the neighborhood. The next day Shulman’s best friend showed up on the front porch with his own bike covered in rubber foam; a chariot for two.
The lesson: “When life seems unable to bear just take a look around you. There’s probably someone there who can help you find your way.”
By the time Shulman entered Brandeis University in 1968 he was totally blind. He did not realize the typewriter ribbon had slipped when he handed his professor 25 blank pages that were supposed to be the first chapter of a grant report. Having had that experience, Shulman went on to consume any technology that made his life easier and allowed him to accomplish everyday tasks more reliably and independently – especially the personal computer.
Lesson number two: “Embrace (new technologies). Learn them backwards and forwards and make them your own.”
Shulman was determined to exude independence and self reliance when he arrived on the campus of Harvard University to earn a doctorate in psychology. But one day as he was trying to navigate his way to the laundromat in an unfamiliar neighborhood, Shulman lost his way. He heard someone approaching and asked for help. It was the chairman of the psychology department.
Final lesson: “It turns out that you cannot die from embarrassment,” said Shulman, who challenged the graduates never to let fear of embarrassment or failure stop them from taking a risk. “Life is to be lived and that involves putting ourselves – more often than not – in situations that are not so perfect or cozy or comfortable.”
And now, armed with confidence and hope for a limitless future, the graduates in Perkins Class of 2010 venture into the world.
“Let’s show them what we as students who are visual impaired are able to do,” Minh encouraged her fellow graduates, adding that she will forever carry the experiences she had at Perkins with her. “There’s a special place in my heart where I will always keep all of my friends and never let them go.”
Meet the Graduates
These bright and ambitious students made their mark at Perkins and we look forward to seeing the exciting contributions they will make in their communities and in the world.
Caitlyn
Hometown: Gorham, ME Age: 20
Known for singing while strolling the halls, Caitlyn says she will miss singing with her Music Makers friends when she graduates from Perkins. Her school experience has been so enjoyable that she can’t pick just one or two classes or social experiences as memorable. Caitlyn is especially grateful for many good times spent with Perkins staff. She has yet to decide on future plans, but looks forward to spending time with friends and family – and continuing her singing.
Minh
Hometown: Bridgewater, CT Age: 21
Minh's years at Perkins taught her she can do anything she puts her mind to - and that a disability should never stop anyone from reaching their dream. One of Minh's dreams is to go to college and someday become a teacher of students who are visually impaired. After graduation, she hopes to take part in a vending training program offered through the Mass. Commission for the Blind. Minh will take many good memories of Perkins with her, and she will miss all her friends and the staff that taught her so much.
Shaun
Hometown: Centerville, MA Age: 21
Shaun compared the way he feels about Perkins to how Harry Potter felt about Hogwarts. He called Perkins "home" and said he will miss his friends. Shaun, a self proclaimed archivist, made audio recordings of concerts and events. He will remember fondly the senior farewell where staff read poems they had written about students. He looks forward to a Boston Museum of Science internship this summer helping to make exhibits accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Bojana
Hometown: Lynn, MA Age: 21
Bojana is very proud to be graduating from Perkins, but she is also sad to be leaving the school where she has spent the past two years. While she enjoyed her classes, her favorite aspect of school has been the social opportunities – spending time with friends and traveling together off campus to have adventures, especially going shopping. Bojana hasn’t yet decided on her plans for after graduation but hopes to begin an internship through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in March 2011.
Walter
Hometown: Wellesley, MA Age: 22
Walter will miss all the friends he made and the staff he spent time with while living at Brooks Cottage, but he will remember the good times as he leaves Perkins, especially hanging out with his teacher, Sherry Myers. He is looking forward to living in a group home in Foxborough, Mass., where he will enjoy the company of peers, and he will be busy taking trips and participating in other leisure activities at a day program called SNARC.
Kelly
Hometown: Sayville, NY Age: 21
Kelly hopes to move to a community residence near her home. She enjoys being at home and at school, loves being with her family and acting silly. Kelly looks forward to a busy, fulfilling life after graduation. She will participate in a day program at the community residence that will include community volunteer work and leisure and recreation experiences.
Samantha
Hometown: Merrimack, NH Age: 20
Samantha will miss the network of supportive and knowledgeable staff at Perkins as well as being around peers who share a common disability. Her favorite Perkins memory was spending time on the beach and getting massages during the senior class trip to the Bahamas. After graduation, Samantha will attend Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH and study Spanish and French. She hopes to work as an interpreter at a hospital or school one day. She looks forward to joining the Perkins Alumni Association.
Jemmakai
Hometown: Boston, MA Age: 21
Jemma, a sweet talking, chatty young woman, has been part of the Perkins community for 17+ years. Over the years, she made many friends on and off campus. She takes pride in the work skills she learned throughout her educational career. Jemma is moving to a beautiful group home in Quincy, MA in January 2011. Her family will continue to be an important part of her life. Jemma looks forward to meeting staff and sharing her love of music in her new work placement.
Elizabeth
Hometown: Braintree, MA Age: 21
Elizabeth ("Betsy") will miss her friends at Fisher Cottage, her teachers and her best friend Tim Madsen, with whom she attended prom. Her favorite memories include sitting on the wall listening to songs by the Barenaked Ladies or the Beatles; taking advantage of the warm weather on the swings and slides; and collecting metal tabs from soda cans for a community service project to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. When she feels anxious, Betsy enjoys yoga, stretching or listening to relaxation tapes.
Deanna
Hometown: Hollbrook, MA Age: 21
As a member of the Chamber Singers student group, Deanna performed at Perkins Possibilities Galas with Natalie Merchant and Grateful Dead member Bob Weir. After graduation, she hopes to continue singing and possibly use the skills she gained in food service class while working at the Old Country Buffet in the Watertown Mall. Deanna also hopes for more chances to fly in airplanes – an opportunity she enjoyed multiple times with Perkins as a cheerleader, a participant in a music festival and one of many travelers to the Bahamas for Perkins’ senior trip.
Hector
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Age: 21
Hector, a kind and gentle young man, is very well liked by all of his Perkins friends. His ability to put a smile on everyone's face will be missed, as will his outstanding contributions to the Perkins recycling efforts. Hector's progress during his years at Perkins will be measured not only by the quantity of his work, but by the quality of his friendships. Hector will go on to live near his family in New York and begin his adult life, but will always be part of the Perkins and Moulton Cottage family!
Brad
Hometown: Reading, MA Age: 20
Brad earned his high school diploma from Reading High School in December of 2009 but continued his education at Perkins. When he leaves Perkins he said he will miss his best friend, Ariel. His favorite memory was attending the senior trip cruise to the Bahamas, where he enjoyed climbing the rock wall and singing karaoke. Brad applied and was accepted to the Transition Program at Middlesex Community College, where he will have the opportunity to gain on-the-job training through internship placements.
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