Vanessa Terrazas: BBP/UCLA Model
I was diagnosed with Coloboma when I was born, a rare eye condition.
Doctors told my parents I wouldn’t be able to see, and they feared I would
be blind for life. At 18 months, I still wasn’t crawling or walking until a helper
named Jeff began working with me. My mom, full of faith and hope, took
me to church often to pray for healing and strength.
Later, when I began to talk, I told my parents I could actually see a little. A
doctor confirmed it, giving our family new hope and joy. In school, I
received extra support. Julie helped me with writing, and I used enlarged
text on an iPad to read more easily. A kind P.E. teacher worked with me on
physical therapy to improve balance and coordination.
In middle and high school, Jeff taught me how to cross streets safely and
use phone maps so I could travel on my own with confidence.
Today, I’m 22, attending college, and known for being determined, resilient,
kind, optimistic, hardworking, and faithful. I still face challenges with
distance vision and small print, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I thank
God every day for what I can see and all I’ve accomplished.
