“I know if I can cook for 64,” mused Vika, “I will be able to cook for my family and friends.”
This was Vika’s turn to ring her Bell of Freedom on April 6. Her graduation meal included barbecued chicken, peach cobbler, and 30 lb of potato wedges.
Vika didn’t cook before the Center. When Julie asked, she said no—her parents were afraid she’d hurt herself and didn’t know how to teach her. She wanted to learn from people who know how to do things as blind people and can teach others.
She met “so many wonderful people and had such wonderful teachers.”
Came to us in the summer of 2015 as a new high school graduate from South Carolina—she knew she needed more confidence, independence, and skills.
"I know in South Carolina or anywhere else in the country I couldn’t possibly get all that I’ve gotten here,” she said. “Everyone should give a round of applause to Julie and all the teachers. Keep doing what you’ve been doing!”
She learned to shop, change her hair color regularly, and to do personal grooming. Julie praised her: “You’ve made so much progress—you’ve done a tremendous job and worked so hard.”
Vika returned to South Carolina and plans to attend community college in the fall.
“Remember, we are your family forever,” said Julie. “We’ll always be here for you. We’re so proud of you!”
