North Parker Sara Luna C’21 was a 2020 finalist for the National Federation of the Blind’s annual scholarship program. She attended the online version of the NFB annual national convention in July when individual scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 were awarded. She is among 30 finalists, who were selected based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.
Sara, a double major in history and communications studies, aspires to a career in museum accessibility.
“As a history major, I feel especially incentivized to explore and learn from museums. Yet, my appreciation of museums has been limited due to their inherently visual displays.” Sara explains that her own experiences as a legally blind individual have inspired her to think creatively about how museums could become more inclusive spaces.
Outside of her studies, Sara has been training in the martial art of Judo for over 10 years. Sara also teaches Judo to students ranging from toddlers to septuagenarians and including persons who are visually impaired and who have a range of physical or cognitive disabilities.
Sara says she feels honored to be selected as a scholarship finalist.
“The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization
of blind people advocating for themselves in the world,” Sara says. “Through the NFB I have had the opportunity to learn about and meet some incredible people who motivate me to live up to my fullest potential. As a member of the 2020 national scholarship class, I am motivated to be a part of the next generation of independent blind Americans.”
With this year’s NFB convention held virtually due to Covid-19, Sara says she will miss the in-person community experience. “Last year I attended my first national convention in Las Vegas and it was an incredible experience. More than 3,200 blind people attended in 2019 and I will never forget it. I was surrounded by so much joy and a general feeling of unity.”
Nevertheless, Sara has chosen to view the positive aspects of a digital convention.
“In the United States, 70% of blind Americans are unemployed,” Sara notes. “There are many members of the NFB who simply could not afford to attend a national convention in person. This year the convention will be free to virtually participate, and I am very excited for the members who will be experiencing the impact of a national convention for the first time.”