Bronco Spotlight: Nancy Honse
Master in vision rehabilitation therapy, 2017
Independent Living Skills Teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind
I teach students from elementary through 21 years the skills they need to live independently. Those skills include cooking, cleaning, budgeting, organization, home maintenance, hygiene, social skills and self-advocacy.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
It is wonderful to watch my students accomplish something they never thought they could. Watching them discover themselves, succeed and achieve their goals is definitely the most rewarding part of my job. I enjoy figuring out new methods or using some tried and true methods to teach a student struggling to master a skill. This is the most challenging part of my job.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
My bachelor degree is in psychology. I think this gave me a broad knowledge base, and opened doors to employment that exposed me to diverse populations and environments. After obtaining a teaching license one of my students was visually impaired. He inspired me to pursue my TVI. A dear friend, COMS, and WMU graduate encouraged me to obtain my VRT.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
I am fortunate enough to work in a school setting and focus on daily living skills. This position really ties all of my education together. I would encourage anyone pursuing a TVI and/or VRT to gain experience working with individuals with visual impairments. In addition, don't expect everyone to learn the same way.