Emily Smith’s life took a turn at five and a half years old. One moment, she was a child playing on the computer; the next morning, she woke up unable to see. Her mother, noticing Emily couldn’t focus on the camera lens for a picture, realized something was wrong. The diagnosis was retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that caused Emily’s vision to fade almost overnight. While Emily doesn’t remember losing her vision or the days around it, she vividly recalls flashes of her favorite childhood movies, like the red paint from Curious George.
Growing up, Emily was supported by her family and a school district that ensured she had the tools to succeed. Starting in kindergarten, she learned braille and cane skills, setting the foundation for her independence. But navigating childhood wasn’t without challenges—Emily often wondered whether her classmates wanted to be her friends or if they were motivated by her blindness.
Emily’s curiosity became her greatest strength. It drove her to explore everything from experimenting with complex bread recipes to helping a fellow student learn braille during the summer so they could continue their education. This same determination eventually drew her to teaching—a career that has allowed her to inspire others while continually learning herself.
Before finding her passion for instruction, Emily’s journey took her across several states and industries. She worked in a Texas warehouse but found the environment draining, as it didn’t value her independence. Moving to a remote customer service role, she learned patience and honed her communication skills while helping families navigate Medicaid services. Despite her success, Emily longed for more hands-on work where she could directly help others.
Her breakthrough came when she joined BISM’s Gold Star program as a braille and technology instructor. Teaching 12 students that summer, she discovered a love for helping people learn and grow. From that moment, she knew teaching was the right path. By the end of the program, her manager recognized her potential. This led her to join BISM’s Comprehensive Orientation Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CORE staff as a Braille and Independent Living Instructor.
Emily’s role is dynamic and rewarding. Whether she’s guiding a student through baking their first pie crust, teaching them to use an ice cream maker, or mastering the braille code, she finds joy in their successes. “I’ve noticed my self-confidence growing,” Emily says. “I’m committed to making sure students learn and not just go with the flow.”
As a floater between Braille and Independent Living classes, Emily adapts lesson plans and teaching styles to suit students’ individual needs. Balancing her perspective with coworkers’ methods has been a learning experience—but it’s one she approaches with the same determination she brings to her hobbies, like baking bread or diving into True Crime podcasts.
Moving to Baltimore marked another milestone. For the first time, Emily is creating her own routines, and using public transportation to explore the city. It’s been an exciting shift from her academically focused high school years to making social connections a priority.
Her advice to students reflects the lessons she’s learned in her own life: “You have to be mentally ready for training. Be ready to discover your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.”
Emily’s story is one of curiosity, perseverance, and growth. From losing her sight as a child to guiding students toward their own successes, she exemplifies how confidence and determination can transform into opportunities—one lesson, recipe, or breakthrough at a time.
