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Blind graduate has a clear vision for her future
Bartow resident Becky Skipper
LAKELAND,
FL (December 13, 2007) - Some people may call her blind, but Becky Skipper has a clear vision for her future.
“As information becomes more important, I want to be where all the action is,” says Skipper, who will graduate from the University of South Florida Lakeland Dec. 17 and study for a master’s degree in library science at USF Tampa.
Skipper has never let blindness stop her from reaching her goals.
“You either do it or you don’t.,” she says. “Not many visually impaired people are working in the field of library science, and I feel like I can be a pioneer for others. I know what it’s like to struggle while looking for information. And I love to learn. For me, learning is an ongoing process. A library is now more than just a place to read books. It’s dynamic, changing, a great resource. I’m not sure people appreciate librarians the way they should.”
Not one to waste time, Skipper starts grad school January 7. Her challenge, she says, “will be to find my niche in my field. I’m confident I’m in the right field, but I need to find the best place in it for me.”
A Bartow resident, skipper graduated from Bartow High School and earned an associate’s degree from Polk Community College. Her positive experience at the PCC/USF joint facility in Lakeland led her to continue her education at the same location.
“I was already familiar with the campus as a PCC student,” she says, “and I was impressed with the faculty and staff. I love the atmosphere. This is a very diverse campus where you’re free to express your ideas and be creative. I highly recommend USF Lakeland.”
Skipper earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, which, she says with a laugh, “is like having two minors, in my case psychology and sociology. I chose ISS because I wanted to get a broad perspective. I’ve enjoyed the multi-disciplinary approach and meeting so many different people. I feel like I’ve learned a little bit about everything.”
At USF Lakeland, Skipper joined Students &Technology in Academia, Research & Service (STARS), which aims to increase the participation of under-represented populations, women, and persons with disabilities in computing disciplines. Students receive academic and social development through mentoring and applied learning experiences.
“IT can be intimidating. STARS helped with collaboration, outreach and mentoring. Plus it’s multidisciplinary, not just IT.”
As a STARS member, she helped test and evaluate software projects that translate math formulae into Braille or verbal rendering for a blind person.
“Becky’s knowledge of Nemeth Braille Code and her experience as a blind student participating in college level math classes has given her a unique expertise that proved valuable in testing and critiquing our applications,” says Paul Stanley of USF Lakeland’s Engineering/IT division.
“Software empowers people,” says Skipper. “It was an honor working with Paul Stanley. All my professors have been outstanding. I learned so much from each of them. We have an outstanding and dedicated faculty. And there’s a great collaboration between PCC and USF Lakeland. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be part of this campus. College has been the most rewarding part of my life. I’ve never met a more diverse group of people as far as thinking and creating.
“Listen to me,” she says. “I haven’t even graduated yet and I’m already a proud alumni!”
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