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Show Summary:
Blind Abilities presents this special interview with Laura Wolke.
Laura initially began a career as a social worker in Philadelphia, with clients who were primarily Medicare recipients, planning to get her PhD and go into counseling or become a psychologist. However she eventually grew weary of this work, saying that while she has great respect for the people who do the job, she didn’t think she has the means to detach herself from the patients and their problems, something that is necessary with that kind of job.
When attending a seminar at Notre Dane University on the subject of Bioethics, Laura learned about the myriad of intriguing applications for a law degree, and she immediately studied for and took her LSAT exams to pursue that path. Listen as Laura describes the tedious and seemingly unnecessary steps she had to take to take this mandatory exam, as much of it was not accessible to her as a blind student.
Graduating from Notre Dame with her law degree, Laura describes the long emotional roller coaster she endured when she applied for a spot as a clerk at the supreme court, from the initial application which promised to be a long shot, through the waiting game, all the way to the point where she received the good news that she would clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas. She shares a bit about his background, living in poverty, fighting discrimination, chairing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and rising to the top court in the land..
Join Jeff Thompson, who has a special friendship with Laura wolke from his days when he instructed her in woodworking at blind, Inc., an Adjustment to Blindness Training school in Minneapolis, and listen to this articulate, and highly accomplished person as she inspires and motivates us to continue to strive for greatness. Listen as Laura shares her views about handling rejection and continuing to persist, on the topic of finding hobbies and social organizations to balance our work and personal lives,, her thoughts on maintaining realistic blindness skills and expectations despite the ever-changing landscape of the Corona virus and beyond, and her advice to parents of blind children relating to ensuring their kids enjoy the same benefits and activities as their sighted peers.
As usual, Jeff conducts a masterful, well-crafted interview which highlights Laura’s insights and talents, both of which promise to entertain you, our Blind Abilities audience. Be sure to set aside 40 short minutes of your valuable time to check out this special chat between Jeff Thompson and his old friend, Laura Wolke.
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