Rina Diep is a junior psychology and business administration major with a minor in human resource management. She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and Ablaze. Diep enjoys traveling and experiencing new things. She loves listening to smooth jazz and hip-hop and visiting beaches, art galleries and amusement parks. Her favorite quote is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.”
I am a visually-impaired student from Seattle, WA. I chose to attend NSU because of its diverse population and academics. Last summer, I was brave enough to fly on a plane by myself for the first time. I came to Florida and fell in love with it. Since then, I knew I could make it on my own with or without a disability.
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that damages the thin layer of cells located in the back of the eye called the retina. These cells are the rods and cones, which help a person see. It affects peripheral vision, how people see at night, how they see colors, and how clear their central vision is.
I have less than 20 degrees of peripheral vision, which is not a lot compared to an average person who has 180 degrees. I also cannot see very well in dimly lit areas or at night. Basically, my vision is like tunnel vision plus a couple of blind spots, but I can still read regular fonts and see detail. Bigger isn’t better in my case — the bolder the better. So far, my rods are deteriorating more than my cone cells. Most people with RP go blind.
Sometimes I get scared of the future, not knowing what to expect about my eyes, but then I think about all my blessings and how far I’ve gotten in life because of this eye condition. Growing up in a town where many students drop out of school or don’t plan for college, I thought I was going to be one of them. Since I was diagnosed with RP, I knew I had to go to college and make something of myself. I didn’t want people to think less of me just because I am “differently abled,” as a professor once told me. I want to prove to my family and others that this does not limit my opportunities, but gives me more opportunities to prove myself. I have many scholarships and support because of this eye condition. I will indeed make it in life by myself.
Through RP, I have made wonderful lifelong friends and connections. It helped me become more confident and responsible. I am more assertive about what I need, and I have become more outgoing. Having parents whose first language is Cambodian and do not speak English very well, I’ve had to advocate for myself and be responsible for everything on my own.
Since I’ve been at NSU, the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon, students, staff and faculty have made me feel at home. No one has treated me like any less of a person. They have accommodated me very well when I’ve needed it.
To make it clear for those who have seen me around campus, I am not faking it. Sometimes I walk without my cane, also known as Charlie, because I am very familiar with the layout and obstacles surrounding me or have a person with me who I can grab onto. I call them my “seeing-eye people.” NSU is so diverse and has made it easier for people to be accepting of people with disabilities because we all are different and unique individuals.
The RP diagnosis was the most difficult thing that happened to me. However, it was also the turning point of my life. I wouldn’t have made it to NSU without it. It has helped me to develop courage and self-esteem. Today, I am someone because of it. Having a disability does not keep you from being the best. You can always be better than the best if you give your best efforts.
