This past Sunday, Delta Gamma Beta Iota chapter at Purdue University had the pleasure of hosting Kathy Nimmer- the 2015 Indiana Teacher of the Year and finalist for the 2015 National Teacher of the Year. She is also the writer and editor of Two Plus Four Equals One: Celebrating the Partnership of People with Disabilities and Their Assistance Dogs, and an active motivational speaker on topics including overcoming obstacles, disability experiences, and guide dogs. Our chapter was extremely fortunate to have Kathy share her extraordinary life story, one that Delta Gamma took incredibly close to heart- considering our philanthropy is Service for Sight.
Kathy bravely opened up to our chapter regarding her struggles dealing with losing her sight, and overcoming this unimaginable obstacle. She began to have vision problems at a young age, and eventually became legally blind as an adult when doctors diagnosed her with a rare disease. She eventually made the transition to a school for the blind, where she finally felt like she could relate to the other students for the first time.
Yet, losing her vision completely, and having to take on the next obstacle of learning to read braille was another breaking point in Kathy's life. She reflected falling into this inevitable depression, one in which will never be completely understood by those who have never experienced the same hardships she has faced. She described that having to learn to read braille was the turning point psychologically for her, as she officially transitioned from vision impaired to legally blind. Tears streamed down my face as she so passionately reflected this incredible part of her life of overcoming her depression; I connected with these words in more ways then she will ever know.
Yet, Kathy never succumbed to the obstacles continuously thrown at her, and eventually her world was opened to the beautiful life pertaining to the aid of seeing eye dogs. She told us the many stories of her experiences with multiple seeing eye dogs, and her life clearly has benefited greatly from the presence of an animal who's life goal is to come to her aid. What I found most moving was the way Kathy beautifully illustrated this concept of the highs and lows of life; the mountains and the valleys. You will inevitably reach both heights throughout your life, and the way you handle these distinguishing moments shapes the person you become.
Looking at Kathy opening up to a group of strangers, I saw an incredibly strong, brave, beautiful woman capable of taking on any obstacle life will throw at her. What intrigued me most about Kathy's presence was the way she ironically lit up the room. She jokingly told us to speak up when we had questions because raising our hands or nodding our heads would be pointless. Kathy was full of laughter, contagious humor, and the willingness to share her most personal self with us. I admired the way she could make light of something that is not really openly talked about in society. She made us feel so comfortable in her presence, and created an open environment where we could freely ask anything we were curious about. Our entire chapter was incredibly moved by her words, and many had a few words to say following her visit.
"Kathy's talk really moved me when I realized that she has no idea what her or anyone else's appearance is like, allowing her to focus on what's truly important in life. This made me think that although she is blind, she actually see the most in each individual that she comes across because she sees what is actually important in a person: their personality, their heart and their morals, rather than making judgements by an appearance." - Maggie Wagner
"Listening to Kathy's talk was so moving. She was so open and honest about all of the pain and hardships that she had to endure throughout her life. But despite all of that, she has such a positive outlook on life! She makes the most of her situation and uses it to spread hope and love to others. She is truly an incredible woman, and we can all learn from her positivity and refusal to give up!" - Katelyn Muldoon
"I was touched when she said that one of the biggest highlights of her whole year was talking to the Purdue football team. That really showed her love for the school and desire to inspire them. Out of 300+ speeches I felt honored our football team was among her favorites." - Alexa Phillips
"Kathy said, "If you told me I would walk through that door and could see again, I'm not sure I would do it...I'm happy with where my life is at." This was so impactful to me, it made me put into perspective how lucky I am to have the life I was given. Even with all the setbacks and challenges life throws your way, everything happens for a reason. You never know what good might come from seemingly bad situation." - Anna Greiner
Kathy, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your incredible story with us. I have been thinking about you and the words you spoke to us since the moment you left our house. Hearing your story truly put into perspective the importance of recognizing the little things in life that make the largest differences. I am completely amazed in the spectrum of emotions you made me so deeply feel in just an hour of being in your presence. You truly made an impact on me, and the rest of the Beta Iota chapter. Thank you for giving us hope, and truly showing us that any obstacle can be overcome. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and incredible story Kathy Nimmer - Delta Gamma hopes to see you again soon.
