A Profile in the "Can Do Spirit" - Ashley McWhirter

The IBCF staff recently had a chance to sit down with busy ISBVI Senior Ashley McWhirter, in between her class at North Central High School and her Chemistry class at ISBVI. She wanted to make sure we didn't make her late for her next class as they were studying Dimensional Analysis in Chemistry and had made fudge the day before that they were now going to get to taste. "Best class ever" according to Ashley!

Ashley, from Beech Grove, IN is a bright, articulate, delightful young lady who has been attending school at ISBVI for over 13 years. We are happy to share her story and her answers to our questions with you!

Ashley (far right) with some of her choir members at the Gala. 

How long have you had a visual challenges?

I was born blind and could only see some light due to retinal dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa. Then, for a while I regained enough sight that I was able to read large print books, but lost my sight again when I was 12 or 13 years old. I have also been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

What are some of your favorite activities or experiences here at ISBVI?

I really enjoy acting, singing in the choir, and working in the student center. Through my classes at North Central I also had an opportunity to go to Costa Rica for 11 days. I was the first blind or visually impaired person to go on that program. I loved hiking and ziplining!

What do you like most about the time you have spent at ISBVI?

The School provides tons of opportunities with technology and teaches you to be a self-advocate, which is really important. The first time I stayed away from home at School was scary not being around my family, but it taught me a lot.

What do you hope to do when you graduate next Spring?

I am currently looking at several Universities, as I hope to become an elementary school teacher.

What advice would you give to a new ISBVI student?

Be open-minded and be willing to accept all of the opportunities that come your way. Don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes you've got to roll with it!

Thanks, Ashley, for sharing your thoughts with us! You are an amazing young lady and a great ambassador for ISBVI!