Two Years as a Team

I know that I have not given an indepth update in a while, but in this post I hope to give an update on what we have been up to this last year. I have broken this post up into monthly updates, as each month was very different.

August 2024

In August Eve and I had the opportunity to reunite with a classmate from guide dog school, as she was visiting from Minisota. While they were here Eve’s favorite part was reuniting with another dog friend, while my favorite part was going to an authentic Vietnamese tea place that this classmate recommended. It is always fun to show nonlocals around California as it gives me the ability to visit new places within my home state.

Lindsay and Phoung standing together with their guide dogs Eve and Florie.

Eve and Florie laying together after playing.

Eve and Florie reuniting after a year of not seeing each other.

Later in the month of August Eve, @s.e.l.z, and I went on a hike with @heartsforsight. Hearts for Sight is an organization local to Los Angeles with the soul focus of helping those who are blind or have low vision get out whether that be through hikes, social gatherings, or through other recreation events.

Eve acting like the New Yorker that she is and cutting in front of everyone on this hike.

September 2024

In the month of September Eve and I took part in Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Wag-a-Thon. This Wag-a-thon is a fundraiser where participants are encouraged to walk or run 26.2 miles within the month of September, while also raising money for Guiding Eyes. Throughout this month Eve and I completed 42.5 miles and raised $250.

Lindsay's official stats after completing her Wag-a-Thon. 81.64 miles in the month of September.

In addition to completing the Wag-a-thon Eve and I took a trip to San Francisco to see my mom’s side of the family.

Lindsay and Eve running into Pea Soup Andersons.

Two of the three wild turkeys that chased Lindsay and Eve, as Eve was trying to go to the bathroom.

Lindsay, Leslie, Their dad, and grandma on their mom's side standing together.

October 2024

To start the month of October, I took my Masters exam as part of my training to become a teacher of the visually impaired. During this 36 hour exam Eve did amazing sleeping on her bed as I was writing my exam. Although this was a 36 hour exam I did find time to throw the ball around in the middle of the exam for Eve.

Eve playing with one of her friends in the dog run.

Right before flying to San Francisco for the National Federation of the Blind’s rideshare rally to end discrimination from Uber and Lyft, Eve and I got a special opportunity to visit with her puppy raiser Patty, as she was vacationing in Palm Springs. It was a wonderful way to catch up after not seeing one another for almost 14 months.

Lindsay and Patty standing together with Eve sitting between them.

Lindsay, Patty, Eve, and Leslie standing together after a great day of reuniting.

A few days after seeing Eve’s puppy raiser we participated in the National Federation of the Blind’s Rideshare Rally in San Francisco. The aim of this rally was to let the rideshare companies know that denials of rideshares for people who are blind or have low vision are still happening regardless of the mobility tool we choose to use. It was powerful to be alongside 200 other blind and low vision people trying to get their voices heard on such a large issue impacting our community as a whole. Thanks to my Meta Glasses I was able to get these clips of this monumental movement. Not only was I able to get clips of this event, but I was interviewed for several papers including the San Francisco Examiner, Golden Gate Express and The Long Beach Current.

Lindsay and Tina at the Lyft Rally with their guide dogs Eve and Kalua.

Lindsay and Eve in front of the Uber Headquarters.

Eve and Winey laying together at the Muni station.

To close out the month of October Eve and I went to a local pumpkin patch to take these pictures.

Eve sitting in an archway with pumpkins behind her, while wearing her Target employee costume.

Eve sitting with pumpkins behind her while she is dressed as a Target Employee.

November 2024

To start the month of November, I had two speaking engagements. The first was with the Braille Institute focusing on how parents can step back and help their child thrive. The second presentation was with Low Vision International (LVI) discussing the low vision tools I use at home, at work, and for leisure. You can hear more of this talk on the LVI Youtube channel.

To end the month of November I got the wonderful news that I passed my Masters Comp exam. All the times that Eve tried to fling my arm off the keyboard during this exam paid off as I do not have to take that exam again.

Letter stating that Lindsay passed her master’s exam.

December 2024

To start the month of December Eve, my sister, dad, and myself headed down to San Diego to attend a sporting event. Eve especially enjoyed the train ride as she got to take a four hour nap.

The second weekend in December Eve and I were given the opportunity to tour Catalina Island thanks to Hearts for Sight Foundation. This was a place I have wanted to visit for years as I have heard great things about it. What is even better is that it's right in my backyard. As a result of Hearts for Sight’s activities on the island, its participants got to go on a scavenger hunt and explore.

Lindsay, Eve, and friends on Catalina Island

To end the month of December I found out that I passed the first part of the Reading Instruction California Assessment exam. Two more parts and I’ll have this requirement of my credential program done.

January 2025

At the start of this month Eve and I attended my local National Federation of the Blind’s chapter meeting. During this meeting we discussed events happening later in the year for the larger organization, such as the national conference happening in July, our state conference happening in March, and the legislative event happening in Washington DC in February.

In addition to attending this meeting, off and on throughout the month I had many calls and documents that I had to fill out in order to start the preparation for student teaching. Who knew I was going to have to fight through so much red tape.

To close out the month of January I started the prep to head to Washington DC for the Washington Seminar event. During this event members of the National Federation of the Blind spoke with their individual Congressional members and senators about issues impacting those who are blind or have low vision. This year's issues surrounded topics such as Web Accessibility, Medical Devices, and the Social Security Act.

February 2025

To start the month of February, Eve and I flew to Washington DC for the Washington Seminar Event. This year attending this event was different because Eve and I got to visit tourist locations like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pools, and The Peoples House, in addition to completing 18 appointments. The People’s House is the White House Museum. It is a special place to visit, as many of the exhibits can be explored by touch.

Replica of the White House in the People’s House Museum.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of the Washington Monument.

Lindsay kneeling, while hugging Eve, as the reflecting pool and Washington Monument are in the background.

Lindsay standing in front of the Lincon Memorial, while Eve sits next to her.

Lindsay and Eve standing next to a pillar of the Lincon Memorial, with the reflecting pool and Washington Monument in the background.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of the statue of Lincon.

Most of the teams in California had 18 appointments, as California has 54 congressional members in addition to our two senators. Overall our appointments went well with the staffers being open to the ideas that we brought to the table. The only challenging part was that as a staffer they did not have the final say in the decisions that were made, but their boss as the congressional member or senator had that say. The only challenging part in our visit to DC was the added existing laws that the National Federation of the Blind wanted us to remind our members about, so they would not be cut, as many of them give us public access to spaces.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of a window of the Longworth building with the quart yard in the background.

Once we returned from the Washington Seminar event Eve and I got to meet the new puppy on campus being raised by a member of our campus's Delta Gamma chapter. Eve had a fun time showing Avalon everything she needed to know if she chose the career as a guide dog.

Lindsay, Eve, Haley, and Avalon standing between the O and B of the GO BEACH sign at CSULB.

March 2025

To start the month of March Eve got to meet a new guide dog friend Ophelia. Ophelia is @paulinav557’s guide dog. They both had a fun time running around while we caught up. As I have said before it is always good for our guide dogs to run around and get their pent up energy out.

Eve meeting Ophilia for the first time.

During the middle part of this month I celebrated my 30th birthday. Unfortunately I did not get to celebrate in the way I wanted as I had to prepare for my first observation of student teaching. At the end of this week I attended the National Federation of the Blind’s California conference. While there it was a great time to network with those throughout the state of California.

Lindsay trying the Glide for the first time.

To end the month of March Eve celebrated her fourth birthday.

Eve sitting in grass with a birthday hat on and a cupcake toy in front of her.

April 2025

To start the month of April I had my first observation of student teaching. If I learned anything from this opportunity it’s don’t put too much in one lesson.

Later in the month of April I found out that I passed the second part of the reading competency exam for California. This was a relief, as this exam is being retired at the end of June with a more challenging assessment. During the middle part of this week I had my second observation of student teaching. This observation went better than my first, as I did not put to much into it and it was on tech.

At the end of April, as part of my student teaching assignment I attended a parent workshop on transition for students who were visually or hearing impaired. It was great to learn more information about what parents learn about the transition process.

Lastly, @loveuleslie and I took my graduation photos that I would later use for my graduation announcements.

Lindsay sitting on a bench wearing her graduation stole and Masters hood. Eve is also sitting to her left wearing a bandana that reads “My Mom Mastered It.”

Lindsay and Eve sitting on a step with their backs turned. Lindsay’s hood is visible and Eve’s bandana that reads “My Mom Mastered It” is visible.

May 2025

To start the month of May I had my third observation for student teaching. If I learned anything from this observation it's that I really struggle with working with students who may be non-verbal, as it is hard to engage them when I cannot always see their body language.

During the second weekend in May I flew up to Freemont to attend the in person lab day at the California School for the Blind. As part of this lab day my student teaching cohort and I got time to reunite, while also discussing the challenges that we had throughout the semester. Eve did amazing navigating me through LAX and later the San Jose Airport. If I’m being honest I think her favorite part of the day was reuniting with one of my classmates and getting many pets in her off time.

Lindsay and Eve standing with their student teaching cohort and instructors at the California School for the Blind.

At the end of the next week Eve and I completed our first student teaching Assignment. To celebrate my Dad, sister, one of our friends, Eve and I went to the Outlaw Music festival concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Eve did great through it only getting up a few times. I think why she did so well through this was because the Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor arena and so it was not as loud as it could have been if this was an indoor event. It also may have helped that we were sitting in the ADA section, which gave her more room.

Eve laying in the accessible section at the Hollywood Bowl.

A few short hours after this concert ended we were back at LAX flying to San Francisco to attend the first of two graduation ceremonies that I had that week. The first graduation was for the College of Graduate Education. I was asked by my department to speak about my experience in the program over the last four years. This was one of the most challenging speeches I had to give, as these last four years have been quite a roller coaster ride, as a result of medical challenges, being paired with Eve and even the loss of a parent. I can’t thank my faculty enough for giving me the breaks when I have needed them.

Lindsay being introduced at the San Francisco Graduate College of Education graduation before speaking.

Lindsay speaking at the Graduate College of Education graduation at San Francisco State University.

Lindsay being introduced before being hooded by Dr. Friesen.

Lindsay being hooded by Dr. Friesen.

Lindsay standing with her dad, @loveuleslie, and Eve.

Lindsay and Eve sitting in grass after the graduation Carmoney at San Francisco State University.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of the San Francisco State university sign.

Lindsay and Eve standing together with the San Francisco State University sign in the distance.

Lindsay and Eve standing in front of the San Francisco State University sign, while holding her cap in her right hand.

Lindsay documenting her educational journey through a video where she picks up graduation regalia at every educational milestone.

Lindsay, her dad and Eve standing in front of a cable car in San Francisco.

A cable car going down the streets of San Francisco.

At the beginning of the next week I went back to work after being out of the office for 13 weeks. I have to say Eve did amazing navigating me around campus even with a staircase that disappeared in our absence.

At the end of this week my dad, Eve, and I flew back up to San Francisco for the Distinguished Honors graduation, as I was being given distinguished honors in my department for my GPA, as well as continued community service in my field.

Lindsay and Eve standing with President Mahoney after being hooded.

June 2025

To start the month of June Leslie,, Eve and I traveled to Connecticut to visit with Eve’s puppy raiser Patty and good friend Alberta. While in Connecticut we visited with many of the friends and neighbors that knew Eve as a puppy. They were amazed at all of the places that Eve has been in her short two years with me. Every single person that we came across that played a part in Eve’s early days she remembered either by giving them a big hug or leaning up against them. When we would leave Eve would almost show off by walking properly and take any direction I gave almost to say look what I can do now.

In addition to seeing all the people that played a role in Eve’s early days Leslie and I got to see the beaches of Connecticut and tried lobster rolls. The beaches of Connecticut and on the east coast are different from what we are used to at home, as the water is a lot cleaner. It also seems that there is less salt in the air.

Lindsay, Leslie, and Eve standing together in Elezabeth Park. — Lindsay and Eve standing on a bridge in Hammonsset Beach.

On one of the days of our trip we also explored Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut. This was a beautiful park with wonderful smelling flowers. That evening we attended a concert in the park where Patty’s daughter Kathren joined us. As you can see from this video Eve was excited to see her. Unfortunately, due to the No King’s Day protests planned for Saturday June 14th, we were unable to meet Patty’s other daughter Laura, as she was planning on meeting us in New York City. This just means a future trip to the east coast.

Lindsay and Eve sitting on the steps of the Gazebo in Elezabeth Park.

Lindsay, Leslie, Patty, and Eve standing together in Elizabth Park.

On our flight home we ran into a flight attendant from Chicago that we flew with from San Francisco to Los Angeles last month. If I learned anything from that experience it was that if you travel with a dog you will be remembered by the flight crew.

Lindsay and Eve standing next to the Welcome to Chicago sign in the Midway airport.

To end the month of June, I was given the opportunity to help with the scoring of the National Braille Challenge. It was an honor to see how a piece of this vital literacy contest is conducted and how important it is for our Braille readers. I think my favorite part of the event was reuniting with old friends while also meeting influential people within the blind and low vision community. One influential person I met as a result of the Braille Challenge this year was Anthony Ferraro. Anthony is a positive light in our community and not afraid to share his challenges to make the successes of future generations easier.

July 2025

To start the month of July Eve and I celebrated the fourth of July with my dad’s side of the family. During this celebration we had a pool party at my Aunt’s house, but sadly Eve did not jump in with the humans instead she chose to stay in the house where the AC was on.

A week later we attended the National Federation of the Blind’s Convention virtually. For this year's convention I chose to attend the NFB convention virtually because I was unsure if I could get the time off to attend because of all of the time I had taken off to complete student teaching. To end the virtual convention Eve and I went to a banquet party at @shelbi_nichole’s house. Eve’s favorite part of this party was reuniting with @kristentheguidingeye as they hadn’t seen each other since March.

Close to the end of July I went to a Surrey Bike Ride in a local park with Hearts for Sight. How the Surrey Bike rides work is that the bike holds four riders with one acting as captain. As a result of this model of bike riding it gives people who are blind or low vision a safe way to ride a bike, since the captain would be sighted. For an event like Surrey bike riding, I did not take Eve, as there was no place to put her.

I did not feel bad in not taking Eve on the Surrey Bike ride, as to close out our second year as a team we prepared to go to the National Association of Blind Students (NABS) Mid Atlantic student seminar, where blind and low vision students connected from all over the country. You will have to wait until my year three post to hear everything we got up to in this three day seminar.