Visionaries: Episode 2, Crystal Lazarus
Crystal is a past participant of Aurora’s Pre-College Program and this is a little more about her! She is currently in her senior year of high school at NYISE. She is currently taking a math college course and am an intern with the preschool program. Her plans for the future are to go to college, become a special ed teacher, and teach kids for the blind and visually impaired.
Q: How old were you when you started losing your sight?
A: I was a baby when I lost my sight.
Q: What happened to cause your vision loss?
A: I was born 5 months prematurely.
Q: How did you handle this loss initially, and what brought you to acceptance?
A: At first I felt very left out and alone since I am the only one with a visual impairment, but as I grew older I realized that I’m different. I learn and adapt to various situations differently and that makes me unique.
Q: What is your favorite technology device?
A: My favorite technology device is my laptop. I am able to use the accessibility features such as zoom and high contrast colors to aid me with my schoolwork and various tasks.
Q: Favorite book and/or movie?
A: Currently, I don’t have a favorite book, but I have started a book called The picture of Dorian Gray which is about a young man who trades his soul for eternal youth, but has to pay the price for his actions. I like a variety of TV shows and movies such as action and paranormal.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is homemade mac and cheese. Link to the recipe here: Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe (with Video) (allrecipes.com)
Q: One thing you want to do before you die?
A: One thing that I would like to do before I die is travel to Finland since I heard that they have the happiest people there.
Q: Best experience in your life so far?
A: The best experience in my life so far was when I flew by myself to the STRIVE pre college program in Syracuse.
Q: If you had twenty four hours of perfect sight, what would you do?
A: If I had twenty four hours of perfect sight, I would rent a car and just drive around with my friends.
Q: Favorite song or musician?
A: My favorite song is I’m Still Standing by Elton John and my favorite musician is NF.
Q: If you could re-live your life without your vision loss, would you do it?
A: Yes, I would relive my life if I didn’t have vision loss.