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During her own formative years, it was Michelle Motil’s dream to become a mature, well-educated and responsible adult. She’s well on her way, although it hasn’t been easy. She completely lost her eyesight at age 15. As if that wasn’t enough for a teenager to handle, a swimming accident in high school led to near-complete hearing loss.

This future high school English teacher, who was born with an autoimmune disease, has conquered her challenges with a fierce spirit and determination, finding a home and a support network at ����Թ�.

Michelle explains that her disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, or VKH for short, was manageable until about 2006. But then, symptoms flared up and the medication she was given to suppress her immune system was actually too effective, attacking her vision. At that point, she enrolled in The Blind School in Columbus, where she learned to use her cane, read Braille and use technology in her class.

Now, I just see the world through other senses,” she said. “I have the confidence I need to enjoy life and not be a burden to others.

Two cochlear implants – one at age 16 and one two years ago – help her hear quite well.

Michelle’s high school English teachers helped build her confidence. “They started telling me I was a smart cookie. What? I am?” she remembered thinking. Those same teachers inspired her desire to teach English.

“It’s very difficult to be a teenager today. I’d like to give my students the skills they need to be successful adults. (Teaching) English is an excellent way to sneak in those life skills,” she said.

Despite her physical challenges, Michelle is amazingly independent. During her college search, she wanted a small school with architecture that would be easy to navigate. She found that at ����Թ�, along with an accommodating and caring team in the Office of Disability Services and the Owen Center for Academic and Career Support. Both, she said, have been extremely helpful, positive and patient in supporting her goals and meeting her special needs. “They really care about me as a person.”

����Թ� Security also has gone above and beyond, helping Michelle get to and from classes in bad weather.

“Everyone has been friendly, open and helpful. I’ve always felt comfortable being able to communicate all of my needs,” she said.

Sure, there have been frustrations. For example, she has to complete all of her classwork electronically, and this sometimes means adapting printed materials so they are user-friendly for Michelle. Instructional Media Center Coordinator Jenny Shetterly became an expert at this, scanning and converting the materials so Michelle can easily access them.

Faculty members – in education and other classes, too many to mention – have gone above and beyond to assist Michelle. “Everyone has been so great. I really love their positivity and support from all my professors.”

Fueled by her own determination, Michelle is well on her way to realizing her dream to become a high school English teacher. “I don’t want to live at home, live on welfare or be taken care of by others. That would be really depressing. I want to be part of life,” she said.

She recently joined some of her classmates in participating in an interview expo in Findlay with six very successful interviews. Michelle would like to head back to Columbus, her home, where she has a strong social network, family and access to a public transportation.

Her success won’t be a surprise to her professors. “Michelle’s future students will be lucky to call her their teacher,” said Dr. Karen Jones, associate dean of the School of Education. “She is passionate about literature and English language arts, an expert in this content, committed to student-centered teaching strategies and will share with her students an interesting view of the world beyond her physical challenges.”