From the Future of Aging blog (a blog from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging) about yesterday’s event at the National Press Club:
Perhaps the most compelling story came from Beth Finke. Finke, an NPR commentator, spoke about her personal struggles after becoming blind at 26. Finke was relying on Social Security following the death of her father at age 3. With the help of Social Security funds (still around for college students up until the benefit was cut back to age 18 in 1983), she was able to help put herself through college. However, at the age of 26, retinopathy stole Beth’s eyesight. She credits her college education, attainable only with Social Security’s help, as the sole reason that she has been able to thrive in adulthood as a blind person.
U of I was a front runner in admitting and encouraging students who had disabilities. The image of those students making their way successfully through a campus packed with 35,000 others rushing to class gave me hope when I lost my sight. Thanks to their example – and the Social Security benefit that allowed me to witness it — I knew that even after losing my sight I could survive – and thrive.
If you couldn’t make it to the Press Club yesterday, don’t fret – you can hear my talk on youtube. My favorite part? The sound of the camera shutter clicking over and over at the beginning of my talk. I’m a celeb!
FABULOUS!! Your natural grace, humor and charisma—plus, of course, a great story to tell (not to mention a cute dog)—made this a delight to see and hear. Your favorite sound may have been shutters clicking, but mine was the sound of your audience laughing and being totally at ease, thanks to you and your aforementioned gifts.
Hey, fellow blog readers, I want you to know that my friend Benita taught speech in the New YORK Public School system for years and years – a compliment from her is VERY HIGH praise.
THANK YOU, Benita.
And you are right – you can’t go wrong with a cute dog for a prop.
Stu, I am a *lover* of popcorn, but hmm. 9 am is a bit early. Appreciate your enthusiasm, though — enjoy the video!
Who knew after you first told your story of nude modeling years ago that it would one day be retold at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.?! Beth, you looked and sounded great! You know that we’re all proud of you and that Daddy would be sooooo proud of you too.
It’s true — my stint as a nude model for art students has brought me a long way. From the stories I hear about Daddy, he would have been proud of me both for taking that nude modeling job in the first place, and then ending up at the National Press Club to talk about it!
THANKS for the compliments, Cheryl — they make me feel good.
When a “celeb” has a heart bigger than her head, we all win. Thanks! (BTW, Tom also had government help for his undergraduate work. I’d say the gov’t invested well, in both of you!)
Fantastic, Beth — ditto to all of the above and I just want to reiterate how proud I am to have known you then (and way way before) and to know you now. You rock.
I’m with Jill, you do rock! Funny and distinctive and memorable for all who heard it.
Awesome! You looked great and shared fun, yet pertinent information! That nude thing has really taken you a long way- mmmm-I wonder if they have a need locally!
So proud of you!
Bravo, Beth!
Did any influential people from the audience talk to you after the event was over?
Let’s see. After the event I talked with a few people from the Social Security Administration, and then a man who worked for the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation…oh, and then Juan Williams was in the elevator with us as we left, too. He told me I seemed “very natural” up there at the podium. Does that count as “influential” people?!
Awesome. You articulate so well such an important message and sharing your story. Fun to get to listen to you, too!
You are a rock star! So cool Beth. And I know your story influenced people in the room. Fabulous job!
Oh, I hope you’re right and that my six minutes of fame did influence people in the room. That’s what it was all about, after all…
You look *fabulous* on stage Beth!! Im always scared of talking to public. I would have to practice five hundred times if I wanted to tell a joke during my presentation, haha. Great talk! I noticed that your handle is different from the link that you sent me last time. It seems like you put and extra piece of handle in order to hold it vertical. How do you like it?
Fantastic, Beth!
Leave a Response