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Determination Turns "Jobs" Into "A Career"
by Jill Wolocko, Editor
At age 38, Barrett Simmons wanted a change. He had a number of jobs since high school graduation: nursing assistant, telemarketer, janitor, and construction worker. "Often, I worked two jobs, anywhere from 90-100 hours a week," he said.
In the early days…
As one of eight children, Barrett is also one of three boys born with albinism. All have nystagmus, which makes them legally blind. As a child, he attended Governor Moorehead School in Raleigh, N.C., with his two older brothers. "Everything was large print so I didn't have a problem with reading," he said.
But after he graduated from high school, most books weren't offered in large print. That and other reasons prevented him from finishing trade school.
"When you drop out, you feel like you fail. I knew that I could do better than what I was doing."
Back to school…
In August 2000, after 20 years away from school, Barrett enrolled full-time at Wayne County Community College. Because he qualified for special needs programs, he received state-funded tuition reimbursement and a lap top computer to help in his newest pursuit: a degree in information systems/ networking/database management.
Adaptive devices were also provided, such as manual focusing telescopes. "They are extremely heavy, though, and you have to focus each eye separately."
By the middle of first-semester, Barrett was struggling. Even with a personal reader to help him, he still had a lot of reading to do on his own. "It would get tiring holding the magnifying glass to the page for hours on end."
Keeping up in class was difficult, too. "I had to sit 2 feet away from the teacher to take notes, and hopefully, she wouldn't block what she was writing."
To fill the gaps in his notes, he would ask teachers to speak what they wrote so he could record it and catch up later. "I wouldn't dare hold up class."
An answer to a prayer…
Ultimately, Barrett attributes his faith to propelling him through the tough spots. "I prayed for an answer."
Soon there-after, he was reminded of a conversation with an NC State professor. "One day he came to me and said, 'Barrett, these glasses might help you.' I was touched that he thought of me and knew that I needed to get those glasses!"
"Those glasses" were the Ocutech VES- AutoFocus. At 2.5 ounces, the light-weight device works like an auto-focus camera. The battery-powered telescope sends out an infrared beam that bounces off the object of focus and triggers a small motor. The motor activates a computer chip that calculates the distance of the object and focuses the lens.
"The AutoFocus freed my hands," he said, unlike the manual-focus telescope. "I could work on the computer in fine detail…on the most intricate parts of the computer!"
When given the choice between the AutoFocus and a closed-circuit television system (CCTV) to aid in his studies, Barrett opted for the AutoFocus. "I didn't want to have equipment to carry around or have to come home to use it."
Barrett had the new AutoFocus by the beginning of his second semester. "I was so much more relaxed," he said. "The glasses instantly helped me out. I could read from the board. I could read books without a magnifying glass." Even more importantly, he referred to the delicate computer repair. "With large hands like I have, I couldn't do it without the VES- AutoFocus."
With one full year invested, he has a 3.8 grade point average and anticipates finishing by 2005.
Outside of academia…
The VES- AutoFocus gave Barrett the mobility he needed in many aspects of life, and the ability to see things he never really had. He said he can see the television from further away; he can watch the birds, and see people's faces better. "It's amazing to actually be able to see people's faces while riding in the car!"
The father of three, Barrett said all his children have been blessed with good vision. Like many proud fathers, he said his oldest son is a "soon-to-be NBA star" and enjoys going to watch his son's high school basketball games. "I used to look more for his number than his face, but now I can find him better. He even comes over every once and a while for pointers from his dad."
Barrett still refuses to take credit for any of his own perseverance and determination leading him the way. "When you have faith, all things are possible."
