So, here we are. On the road back to education after a fun, hot, long summer… Well, at least my summer was!
That fear is starting to wash over me again, the fear I know a lot of others, both students and parents, will feel too. It’s a kind of strange apprehension isn’t it? That feeling of what might be facing you or your child this year, in terms of how their sight will affect their education and socializing this year.
“Have they cut his/her resource hours again?”
“What will the other kids think if I can’t recognize them?”
“I hope someone doesn’t ask me to read something off the board.”
I’ve dealt with That September Feeling every year since I was about 12. And it would be a lie to say you don’t feel it every year, but it does begin to bother you less and less every year. The worst that feeling ever was, was the year I went into Leaving Cert – absolute nightmare! Imagine what it was like to have the “points race” on top of the September Feeling?! It will send you a little crazy, it will send your kids a little crazy – it will drive your parents absolutely up the walls! … But isn’t that a parents job really? To over-think and over-worry about their kids? No matter their ability?
So what’s your story this September? Have you been suffering That September Feeling too?
My story is that I’m starting a masters in a few weeks time. You’d think after spending four years at an undergrad in a college where the Disability Support Service is second to none, I wouldn’t be apprehensive? You’d be so wrong to think that! Going in this September is just like starting again for me. There are new people, new lecturers, a new department and a new building. It’s like information overload for the girl who relies on her memory and not sight to get around.
I’m learning to combat my September Feeling though. For me, it’s all about organization really, organizing yourself and organizing the people around you that you depend on. I’ve planned my year in terms of how to study and when to study so I don’t tire out my eyes – if you suffer from a nystagmus like I do, study and time planning is unbelievably important! I’m also going in to meet with my lady in the DSS tomorrow too – again this comes around to organizing the help you’ll think you’ll need. Planning is such a good help to me when I’m trying to combat That September Feeling.
So, as I’ve asked before. How do you combat your September Feeling? Do you have That September Feeling this year? Let me know – I’d love some feedback on it!
Want to share?
Beyond The Blonde 
I admire your honesty and i think you are a pretty looking girl. Ithink it has to be so much harder for yee to cope but yee all seem to be very dermined to get there. Cormac my son is so determined as well. Are you legally blind or partial sighted? It is great you are smart? Thank you for your blogs
Hi Jessica, My name is Sam and I’m on the board of the Nystagmus Network. I certainly felt that anxiety when I began my Masters and tbh was surprised at how strongly I felt it. I’d thought that, having become an adult, I would have left it behind but no!! However I pushed through and completed my course… and from the looks of it, your determination will see you there too.
Best wishes
Sam