My mom from 5 earns a degree after she became completely blind, now aims to help others

When Tennessee Five Mother She got a university degree on May 9, and she could not see her family chanting the audience – because she is completely blind.

However, as Amanda Youtun, 47, the theater to accept her degree – Magna with honors – from Tennessee University of Technology, was more sure than ever on her way forward.

“I am completely blind,” Juetten told Fox News Digital in an interview. “So I got my dog ​​a guide next to me.”

Food options that can enhance your vision and protect from eye disease

“The two men who were sitting for me told me to follow them – we were a team. I focus on shaking all hands and reaching the theater. I was thinking,” This is not the end. It is really the beginning of the next. “

Juetten, who has recently become Jeddah, started it College Nearly 30 years ago, she had to postpone her studies when she gave birth to a high school child – and she immediately went to work to provide her new family.

She finally returned to higher education, but in 2020 years after Progressive vision loss From a case called dye retinitis, she found itself in the dark – literally.

“I left completely blind without blindness,” said Youtum. “Over the years, I have learned a lot of skills to use my remaining vision, but not what to do without any vision at all.”

A desperate girl to see the world before she is completely blind

She signed the restoration of her independence, joined an eight -month program at the Colorado Center for the Blind.

“I thought,” I know that the blind parents are making lunch for their children. I know that the blind parents go to PTA meetings. I can do this. I just need to be around a group of other blind, “remember.

“I want to help give people skills to find their voice.”

“The blind do not sit on the lower floors waiting for the end. They live in their lives, and I wanted to do so too.”

With her new skills and adaptive techniques – and renewal Feeling confidence JUETten joined in Tennesse Tech in the fall of 2022, to follow the degree of professional studies with a focus in organizational leadership.

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“It was great,” said JUETten. “The coaches were asking,” What are your needs? How can I make this accessible? “It was great to do this.

Now, the newly graduated juice calls for more acceptance and understanding of the blind.

“The blind needs a voice,” said JUETten. “I have a voice and love to use it. I want to help give people skills to find their voice. We need more teachers and more people in this field who believe in the full ability of the blind.”

After that, you plan to follow the graduate degree in rehabilitating blindness and perhaps even doctorate.

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“I want to start providing services in Auxiliary technology“Braille and the things I have learned are fine. I want to know the blind as a vocational rehabilitation seller.”

JUETten traveled to Washington, DCTo press for blindness -related initiatives and San Francisco to protest against drivers who deny service for traveling chairs or service animals.

She also works in the National Union of Tennessee, a former president of the Tennessee for dog users.

Ha Dog guideThe colonel is always next to her.

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Juetten has the message below for anyone who faces blindness.

“You still have the same hopes and dreams,” she said. “All those things you want to do before you are blind, you still want to do these things. So let’s find a way to do this.”