Vol. 92, Issue 4
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Student overcomes obstacles to realize his special vision
By Kevin Jenkins
Echo Staff Writer
He has had good days and bad days, but after battles with diabetes, kidney failure, and a stroke, it has been worth the struggle.
His decision to go to school would be a story that many might call typical — but only if they overlooked the fact that he has been blind for 14 of his 37 years.
Shawn Venters, a social work major from Jacksonville, N.C., entered
N.C. Central on a a mission. It’s one he is about to say is a “mission
complete” this May when he gets his college degree.
Shawn Venters on the steps of the Alexander Dunn Building. Kevin Jenkins/ Echo Staff Photographer |
In 1995, Venters entered NCCU as a first-year student.
“I didn’t want to sit around in a rocking chair all day,” says Venters. “I wanted to see something being done. I wanted to achieve my goals.”
Juvenile diabetes has dogged Venters from the age of 8. It’s the leading cause of blindness among juveniles.
When Venters was 23 his eyes began filling with blood — blocking light from coming through.
“It started out as small pin-hole type spots, and in about six to eight weeks I had totally lost my sight,” said Venters.
His family tried to encourage him. The community and his church came together for him, but he knew this was a fight larger than any person could handle.
“I really had to maintain my focus with God,” said Venters. “Of course my family was there, but it was His strength and love that allowed me to make it.”
An average day for Venters is like anyone else’s, but with a few more minutes of preparation.
All of his clothes are labeled by colors using things such as loose buttons in the pocket for blue shirts or a safety pin on brown slacks.
Laundry. School books. Even carpet on the floor is strategically placed.
“Once I went to the doctor and I had on all brown,” says Venters. “The doctor took one look at me and said: ‘Shawn do you know that you have on a brown sock and a white sock?’”
Venters laughs at the memory.
“I said ‘No sir, but do I match?’”
Among all the qualities Venters possesses, his sense of humor and reverence for life makes his days go much easier.
“I could never get too down,” says Venters. “You never know what you can do until you have to do it, but it is easy with God.”
Venters withdrew from NCCU twice due to health problems. He first had a stroke in 1997 and then received a kidney and a pancreas transplant the following year.
And if all of these things weren’t enough, Venters’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer. He served as her backbone, just as she had been for him.
“I told her to trust in God no matter what,” said Venters. “No
matter what happens God is in control.”