Introduction

Summary:
Commitment, dependability and a strong desire to succeed have always been the key components of my personal work ethic.

I believe growing up in a small Pennsylvania town within a strict, disciplinary household shaped my understanding of how "hard work" can pay big dividends.

Of course, without a sound, healthy mind and body, few of us can perform to our full potential, so maintaining good health has always been a top priority for me.

And, like anyone else, I've experienced adversity in my life. I strongly believe that it is how we overcome adversity that truly defines us as individuals. I am convinced that, because of the unique challenges that life has bestowed upon me, I have learned to be more optimistic and patient. I try to savor the small successes along the way.

After being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentoasa (an eye disease causing a slow degeneration of the retina) at age 16, I have endured many challenges in dealing with varying stages of visual impairment.

Now, at age 47, having lost nearly 95 percent of my eyesight, I believe blindness has served as a catalyst for positive change, greatly enriching my life. Adjusting to blindness was not an easy journey, but, today, I feel more at peace, much more empowered and a sense of acceptance - largely through learning alternative techniques such as braille, keyboarding and JAWS screen reading software.

As reflected in my art, I am a life-long lover of wildlife and the outdoors. I have spent countless hours in Pennsylvania woodlands photographing wildlife and scenery. With such a strong affinity for the outdoors, I seek to maximize my strongest skill sets (writing, customer service and communication) within an environmental, conservation, wildlife, or sporting goods organization.

Although it may be ideal for me to work in a capacity that combines my greatest skills with an area of extraordinary interest, I believe establishing excellent relationships with co-workers, supervisors and business associates is the most critical factor for me in terms of achieving career satisfaction in any given field.

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