Inspiring Journey: Blind Mother of Five Graduates with Honors Alongside Guide Dog

Inspiring Journey: Blind Mother of Five Graduates with Honors Alongside Guide Dog

In a remarkable display of perseverance, a Tennessee mother of five named Amanda Juetten, aged 47, graduated from Tennessee Tech University on May 9, despite being completely blind. Though she couldn’t see her family in the audience, the love and support surrounding her were undoubtedly felt.

Juetten, who earned her degree magna cum laude, walked across the stage with confidence. She described her experience, stating, “I’m totally blind. So I’ve got my guide dog by my side.” With determination, she focused on shaking hands and savoring the milestone moment, thinking to herself, ‘This isn’t the end; it’s truly the beginning of what’s next.’

A Journey Put on Hold

Amanda Juetten’s story is not just about her recent academic success, but also about resilience. She began her college journey nearly 30 years ago but had to pause her education shortly after high school to raise her family. Following the birth of her first child, she put her studies on hold to secure a stable job and provide for her growing household.

After years of juggling work and family, Juetten decided to return to education but faced a significant challenge. In 2020, she experienced a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which gradually took away her remaining vision. With this sudden change, she found herself navigating life without sight.

“I was left totally blind with no skills for blindness,” Juetten explained. Over many years, she had learned to cope with diminishing vision but had not been equipped for a life devoid of sight.

Embracing New Skills

Determined to regain her independence and adapt to her new reality, Juetten enrolled in an intensive eight-month program at the Colorado Center for the Blind. She recalled her motivation, saying, “I know blind parents make their kids’ lunches. I know blind parents go to PTA meetings. I can do this. I just need to be around a bunch of other blind people.”

This program provided her with essential skills and adaptive techniques, igniting a renewed sense of confidence within her. With this newfound empowerment, she set her sights on higher education once again, enrolling at Tennessee Tech in the fall of 2022 to pursue a professional studies degree concentrated in organizational leadership.

Supportive Educational Environment

Juetten praised her instructors for their commitment to inclusivity. She noted, “The instructors were asking, ‘What are your needs? How can I make this accessible to you?’ They have been fantastic for doing that. I never experienced pushback. I didn’t encounter anyone questioning my decision to take these classes.”

This supportive learning environment has not only allowed Juetten to excel academically but has also motivated her to become a voice for the blind community.

Advocating for the Blind

Now that she has graduated, Amanda Juetten is passionately advocating for greater acceptance and understanding of people with visual impairments. She stated, “The blind need a voice. I have a voice, and I love to use it. I want to help empower others to find their voice as well. We require more teachers and professionals who believe in the full potential of the blind.”

Juetten has ambitious plans for her future. She aims to pursue a graduate degree in blindness rehabilitation, potentially leading to a doctorate. Furthermore, she aspires to offer services in areas such as assistive technology and Braille education, leveraging her experiences to empower others in similar situations.

Her advocacy extends beyond academia. She has traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for initiatives focused on blindness. She has also participated in protests, standing against rideshare drivers who refuse service to individuals accompanied by service animals.

A Role Model and Community Leader

Amanda Juetten actively serves on the board of the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee and has previously held the position of president for the Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users. Her guide dog, Colonel, remains a steadfast companion, supporting her in every step of her journey.

Message of Hope

Juetten’s experiences have equipped her with a powerful message for those facing the challenges of blindness. “You still have the same hopes and dreams,” she said. “All of those things that you wanted to achieve before you lost your vision, you still desire to accomplish. Let’s work together to find a way to do that.”

Amanda Juetten stands as a beacon of hope and motivation, showing that vision, in its many forms, can indeed triumph over adversity.