Success and Self Confidence in Zapata, Texas
As a young child, Triana Guerra-Flores of Zapata, Texas was
diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a serious eye condition
that leads to progressive loss of sight. Her deteriorating
vision caused her to encounter numerous problems in school.
Throughout her public education, her family had to fight
attempts by the local school district to label her as a special
education student.
Despite these difficulties, she successfully graduated with
distinction (cum laude) in the top ten percent of her high
school class and made the decision to pursue her dream of
becoming a teacher.
Determined to achieve her goal, she contacted the DARS Division
for Blind Services (DBS) and applied for vocational
rehabilitation services. Working with her VR counselor in
preparation for college, Triana received substantial counseling
and career guidance services as well as specialized orientation
and mobility training and comprehensive assistive technology
training.
When Triana was accepted for college, her DBS counselor helped
her apply for tuition exemption. Triana worked hard to keep up
with her coursework and make good grades. At the beginning of
each semester, DBS helped her purchase the required books and
supplies she needed for her upcoming classes and helped her
arrange for the reader services she needed to complete her
reading, library research, and other academic assignments.
Triana was persistent and dedicated to reaching her goal. She
stayed in close contact with her counselor for ongoing
counseling and guidance services and, as graduation grew closer,
she began working with DBS specialists from the Employment
Assistance Services unit.
With a bachelor's degree in her hand, Triana decided to apply
for an opening with the local school district in her hometown.
Today, Triana is 24 years old and employed as a kindergarten
teacher with the Zapata Independent School District.
In addition to living her childhood dream of becoming a teacher,
Triana also speaks at public engagements with her mother and is
currently pursuing her master's degree.
