James Brink may be visually impaired, but the Clarion University senior, has his future in sight through radio skills he gained earning a college degree
Brink will received a degree mass media arts and journalism major with a minor in communication studies in May 2009. He decided to go to college after losing the majority of his sight in 2004.
"I was a self-employed contractor for 12 years," he said. "I couldn't go back to that job."
Instead, he went through a 16-week rehab-training program at the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Center of Pittsburgh and decided to go to college so he could train to do something else. Selecting Clarion, he was a business major for one semester before switched to mass media because the math was too hard when he could not physically see the problems.
"I never worked so hard at anything," said Brink about his college experience. "I spend about 80 hours a week with the radio station and homework. I bring a voice recorder to class and record the lecture then I go home and can listen to it whenever and as many times as I want. I have a computer program at home that reads out-loud the information that's is put in; such as my papers and homework."
Through his new major, Brink became involved with student radio station WCUC-FM, including being the production manager for two and one-half years. He operates the equipment by memorization or adjusting the settings by ear.
Brink has a recording studio in his home in Clarion where he completes free-lance audio work and works on radio theatre. He is interested in radio theatre and has his own radio theater program called "The Discovery."
For his first three years at Clarion, Brink traveled with a cane. "Once you get familiar with the route, it isn't difficult . . . until something gets in the way," he explained.
That all changed last May when a dog followed him home from class.
The owner of the dog, Ace, allowed Brink keep the dog. Brink contacted a coach from a guide dog school, who provided Brink with the information he needed to train Ace to be a lead dog. Brink now has Ace to help him get around campus.
Brink credits the assistance he received from Clarion University's TRIO programs with helping him to succeed.
"The Trio Student Support Services Programs are fabulous and I would not be here now if it wasn't for it," says Brink. "More students should take advantage of it. Some students who qualify won't ask for help because there is a stigma about being different."
Students admitted to the program are provided with an array of services, which may include study skills assistance, academic advising, and career and financial counseling. During the academic year, there are workshops and on-going services, which focus on academic survival and learning-to-learn activities are offered. The services provided are individually designed and are based on the student's needs as identified by appropriate documentation and through discussions with the program staff. Student accepted into the program must meet eligibility requirements established by the institution and the United States Department of Education.
After graduation Brink plans to live in Pittsburgh with his girlfriend, Peg Watts-Cartwright who's seeking her masters degree at Clarion, and start a low-power radio station for the visually impaired.
Brink currently lives in Clarion. He has four children, two of which live in New York State, James and Brian, and two who live in Conneaut Lake, Dalton, and Johnny.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
