Colleen Parker received her JD and MBA degrees from Boston College in May. For the past two years she has held an MBA graduate assistantship. Her duties involved putting out this newsletter. She was elected for this assistantship from her resume. Colleen has accepted an associate position at the law firm of Proskauer Rose in New York. We wish her all the best and thank her for her outstanding service. She will always be part of the EagleEyes family. Here she reflects on her experiences. - JG

I was a bit confused when I was given the opportunity to write the BEAT. Why would I be asked to write a newsletter on computer technology for the disabled? I have no background in technology and only limited experience working with the disabled. While I had a background in journalism, I wasn’t sure I had enough expertise to write the BEAT. As time has passed, I no longer question how or why I got placed. I am only grateful for the experience.

Graduate students can often get caught up in passing the next test or wondering where we will work post graduation. It’s easy to forget about what’s really important. EagleEyes has brought me back to reality when I needed it most.

One of my first assignments was to see a student using EagleEyes in the Campus School. When I knocked on the EagleEyes classroom door, I had no idea what I was in for. Maureen Gates, EagleEyes teacher, answered the door and immediately began speaking about the student in the room and what she was working on. I have always been told that I have a lot of energy, but Maureen has me beat by a long shot! She tirelessly jumped up and down encouraging a little girl to pop a balloon in that day’s EagleEyes software. When the student finally popped the balloon after many attempts, I thought Maureen might burst. Maureen was so thrilled, the child couldn’t help but giggle in appreciation. In fact, I couldn’t help but giggle in appreciation.

Maureen has a selfless devotion to the EagleEyes program, and more importantly, the kids. When Maureen talks about Mike Nash’s accomplishments her eyes sparkle —the student’s accomplishments are Maureen’s accomplishments. She is their advocate, their friend, and a selfless companion. Going forward, I hope to emulate her passion for her profession and her empathy for the struggle of others. She has shown me what it means to truly care for others and I will miss our visits.

I also came to understand true love exists on many levels. Sometimes true love comes in the form of a romantic relationship like the one between Laura Mazor and Peter Brandano in the Winter 2004 BEAT. But there are many other forms of love that are less celebrated, although nonetheless important. In the past years I have interviewed numerous parents about their disabled children’s use of EagleEyes. These parents have demonstrated commitment, determination and vigor in pursuing every possible avenue to aid their children. Few recognize the demands of raising a disabled child; parents routinely give up sleep, free time, and resources to see that their child participates fully in the world around them. These parents continue to make these sacrifices without a complaint. I have learned how selfless and courageous love can make one and what it means to be a parent.

Finally, and most importantly, I have learned from the children in the EagleEyes program. There have been days where I thought a B on a test might just be the end of the world. Some of those days I have ended up on EagleEyes assignments, watching students struggling to master “the wires” so they might communicate. I found myself inspired; if these young children have the courage and determination to persevere despite overwhelming obstacles, maybe I could soldier on in that day’s academics. Sometimes children are the teachers.

They say that everything happens for a reason. As I get older, I am increasingly aware that things that appear to be unrelated to your life are actually those that become the most relevant. The EagleEyes program has exposed me to courage, determination and everyday heroes. Without the seemingly nonsensical assignment two years ago, I would never have met some of the most exemplary people in my life. The experiences I have had in the EagleEyes program will continue to inspire me as I move from Boston College to the world beyond.