This article originally appeared in Lancaster Bible College’s online student newspaper, Focus.

It’s time to look at things from a new perspective. It’s time to examine the world through the eyes of someone who doesn’t see many things around her, but sees in a way you wouldn’t expect. At this point, you may be asking, “What is this girl talking about?” Allow me to explain. My name is Kate, and I have the privilege of guiding you through a different world. It’s not a world made up of sunsets, breath-taking views, printed letters on an old worn page or signs in the distance that direct your path. That is a beautiful world, yes. But my world is made up of observing, listening, reading, not books but the actions of those around me, trying again and again and learning to trust other people and try new things. This is the world of someone who has been blind since birth. I’m not trapped in this world; I am actually learning to love it. I want you to learn to love it, too. Let’s start the journey.

As I said before, I was born blind. I have always had to learn different ways of doing things than you are used to: how to walk with a cane, how to read braille, how to interact with people and how to learn about the world around me. Even though I learn, I am still afraid sometimes. I have always struggled with anxiety because I wonder what people think of me and the ways I am different. I don’t want anyone to think that I am less than they are or that I am helpless. I can do the same things that you can, as long as I learn. Except for one thing: driving! Wouldn’t that be scary?

I’ve had a great family who has tried their best to help me and love me in any way they can, but sometimes my blindness creates difficulties for us. Even so, they have loved and supported me on this journey. I am thankful that God works everything out in the end. I was fortunate to have teachers throughout school who would make sure I had things to help me be successful, like assignments in braille, a braille typewriter (like in the 1900s) and eventually a computer that talked to me like the laptop I use now. I’m very thankful for these things, but I don’t want to spend all my time talking about them; they’re not the best things in my life.

The best thing in my life is letting God take control and work through my disability and my pain. That’s why coming to Lancaster Bible College is so important.

I am here because God sent me, and I pray that He will give me the courage to continue, even when I don’t know my way around campus and have trouble. I have loved meeting people who stretch my understanding of life and encourage me to step out of my comfort zone. The best things happen when we inspire each other with stories of God’s redemption in our lives when he turns our sins or our struggles into beauty. I would love to hear your story too, and I hope you’ll keep joining me as I show you the world “the way I see it.”