In the bustling halls of Washingtonville High School, amidst a sea of faces, one student stands out; not for his academic prowess or athletic achievements, but for his unique perspective of the world. Wani, a legally blind student, has navigated the busy corridors of high school with a mix of resilience, humor, and a touch of blind ambition.
In 2018, Wani embarked on the ambitious project of writing a book titled, "What’s Cool About Braille Code School?" The story follows three mice as they navigate the complexities of a sighted school. Their names are Charlie Cane, Bobby Braille, and Kelly Keller, great name puns of some great blind heros in our world.
This adorable fictional tale mirrors Wani's own experiences, capturing the triumphs and challenges of a blind student in a predominantly sighted environment. In Washingtonville, he is the only blind student.
As Wani reflects on his time at Washingtonville High, his favorite memories are tied to the harmonious sounds of the school choir. The shared passion for music transcends visual limitations, creating a space where Wani feels truly connected to his peers. Singing like a true angel, Wani’s talent is ever higher and grows every day. He confidently affirmed, “It is, and always will be, my favorite class here.”
Wani loves to sing, and in several languages. He has performed for the school's talent show several times, soloed in the school's choir, even performing the national anthem at the beginning of every school event. He lives for music.
Despite the occasional inconvenience of not knowing who is in his immediate surroundings, Wani approaches social interactions with a refreshing openness. He acknowledges that uncertainty of who is around can be a minor hurdle, but it doesn't deter him from engaging with others. He mentions, “It has been an overall awesome experience [here] because I made a bunch of friends, and I hope to keep in contact with them for the rest of my life.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming banquet, Wani expresses excitement for the event. While he may not have firsthand experience with the traditional dance floor, he anticipates enjoying the music and the festive atmosphere.
For students facing similar challenges, Wani offers words of encouragement: "Don't let your condition stop you from living your best high school life. Sure, you might not be normal, but that makes you cooler."
His unwavering positivity serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them that differences can be strengths, not limitations.
While Wani's experiences at Washingtonville High have been largely positive, he recognizes the potential for improvement. He encourages students to initiate friendly greetings, so the school can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Wani is walking proof of the power of human connection and the strength of the human spirit. His journey through Washingtonville High School is a reminder that true inclusion goes beyond physical accessibility. True inclusion at Washingtonville High School is a supportive and empathetic community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
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