Ebrima H. Jarjue

About Me

I am a non-traditional student in many respects; I am in my 40s, and I am blind. I said goodbye about twelve years ago to my beautiful daughters as I left home for a simple Lasik corrective eye procedure, not knowing that I would never take them in visually again. My first daughter was over a year old, and the twins were just over four months then. I suffered a life-altering setback. Routine Lasik surgery left me blind in both eyes. For two years, I stayed at home, depressed, until a friend advised me to consult the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). And thus began my rehabilitation and resocialization. Losing my sight at the age of thirty-seven, was a life changer and involved more than finding a place to live. It meant stepping into a new social context with its own statuses and roles; this required me to be re-socialized to meet the needs of the situation. During these trials and tribulations, I learned new statuses and roles. I channeled my energy in to making the most effective use of an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge. In addition, I devoted much time to family, self-improvement, and personal growth. In 2011, I enrolled in Montgomery Community College and pursued a rigorous course of studies and in May, 2015, I received my Associates Degree in Cybersecurity-applied science (AAS). As a college student, I experienced a new environment in which, according to Erikson (1902–1994), many of my family’s “cherished beliefs and values are held up to critical examination.” He states that, “in college, choices loom large and lead to changes in personal identities and political values.” I definitely found that to be the case for me. (Erikson 1902–1994). Despite my blindness, I was able to succeed in challenging courses across many disciplines including lab sciences. Often this involved creativity and problem solving, finding alternate ways to learn, including 3D models. However, in a few classes, I was not given necessary accommodations, such as readers/scribes and this negatively affected my performance. I am now a senior undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Science.

In today’s world, university/college education is not a luxury that only the few can afford to enjoy; it is a personal necessity, civic, and an economic for all in the world. Education (knowledge and skills) learned from colleges and universities lasts through life, of which the attributes includes and are not limited to wisdom, calmness, freedom, moderation and equity respectively. I value education not only in the practical sense (degrees and employment) but also for how it will shape me as a person and allow me to contribute to humankind in general.