As I stroll around campus, to and from classes, I see more people than I can count.
Some faces pass by in a blur, and some catch my eye from time to time.
One memorable face is that of a blind student, making his way through the hustle and bustle of our busy campus.
As most students walk around frowning, this particular student can be caught with a smile that stretches from ear to ear.
This smile may be due to the fact that the disabled students of Temple University receive assistance from The Disability Resources and Services Program (DRS).
The DRS program was instituted as a support service to aid the more than 500 students with permanent disabilities who attend Temple’s campuses throughout the world.
One of the program’s goals is to help all students with disabilities gain equal opportunity for access and participation in the diverse programs that Temple has to offer.
This program has made me realize how proactive students with disabilities can be.
It also made me realize how unthankful and disinterested some students without disabilities have become now that the semester is in full swing.
Due to their mindset, many students have lost that positive outlook that is necessary to tackle college life.
Some students surround themselves with petty situations and arguments, and lose sight of the things they should be thankful for.
This perspective not only applies to social situations, but to athletic situations as well.
In some cases, students with disabilities are engaging in more activities than those with complete physical abilities.
DRS activities include swimming, weight training and hand cycling, as well as a competitive wheelchair basketball team dubbed “The Rollin’ Owls.”
These examples should be a wake-up call for those who are “too tired” to work out, or for those who “just don’t have the time.”
It is an amazing feat for those with disabilities to overcome obstacles and to apply themselves in a positive manner towards higher education.
It’s also amazing that those without disabilities constantly complain.
Those with handicaps may have setbacks in certain areas, but those without motivation are handicapped in their own right.
Life is what one makes of it, disabled or not.
Even a blind man can see the truth in that.
Brandon Lausch can be reached at Temple_News@hotmail.com
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