Page 55 - Sorry, We're Not Hiring Any Visionaries Today

CHAPTER 7
Maryam Ganni – The Blind Visionary
How is it possible to be a “blind visionary?”
As you will soon find out, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
I studied public relations and communications management at university. I also studied entrepreneurship and psychology. At the age of 21, I was told that I was going to lose my sight eventually.
I was afraid because I was unsure of how to live my life. I asked the doctor, “How long will it take for my vision to disappear?” He said, “I don’t know. But I don’t want to hang your death sentence on top of your head.” He was a little harsh with his delivery, but I thought, “Well, this is a death sentence, and I’m going to live my life to the complete fullest.”
I spent three years learning how to live my life all over again. I went to a local rehabilitation center. I learned to cross streets, read braille and walk with a white cane. I went back to university as part of rebuilding and reinventing myself.
In the first course I walked into, I gave a presentation, and my professor ap- proached me and said, “You know, I’m a public speaking teacher as well. Have you ever thought of doing public speaking?” And I thought, “Yes, I have thought about it. I just don’t know how to start or what I would say.”
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