Keisha Mason Interview Summary

Keisha Latrice Mason, who is totally blind since birth, shared her journey of personal empowerment through emotional intelligence. She discussed her struggles with academics, particularly in math and science, and her socializing difficulties. Keisha highlighted her passion for writing and playing the piano, which she learned by ear. She credited a personal development course for improving her self-image and positive attitude, leading to better interactions at work and more joyful calls. Keisha also mentioned her involvement in a monthly support group, "Uplift Ourselves," to maintain positive habits and continue personal growth.

Issues & Risks

Keisha struggled with negative attitudes and low expectations of herself due to blindness.
She experienced depression and pessimism about her abilities and life outlook.
Academic challenges in math and science, particularly in high school chemistry.
Difficulties with socializing and interacting with peers.

Questions discussed

"Will you state your full name and where you work?"
"What do you like to do to have fun outside of work?"
"Would you share with us how you identify with the disability community, your disability also when you acquired your disability?"
"Can you share with with me and the people who hear this, what it was like growing up?"
"Why did you decide that you wanted to do the course?"
"Do you remember why affirmations work?"
"Did you see a difference when you went through the course at work?"

Outline

Keisha's Background and Initial Questions

Speaker 1 introduces the purpose of the interview, sharing how his own story about his disability inspires others.
Speaker 1 asks Keisha to state her full name and where she works, to which Keisha responds with her name and job at a thrift store call center.
Keisha shares her hobbies outside of work, including listening to music, playing piano, reading, and writing stories.
Speaker 1 asks Keisha to share how she identifies with the disability community and when she acquired her disability, to which Keisha responds that she is totally blind since birth.

Growing Up with a Disability

Keisha describes her experiences growing up, mentioning the attitudes and expectations people had of her.
She shares her struggles with a negative attitude and depression, as well as academic struggles, particularly in math and science.
Keisha mentions her socializing struggles and her accomplishment in writing stories that could be published.
Speaker 1 relates to Keisha's experiences, sharing his own struggles with depression and how losing his eyesight at 40 exacerbated his existing depression.

Support and Education

Keisha explains the role of TV eyes and TBI teachers in her education, who helped with transcribing print worksheets into Braille and providing braille textbooks.
She mentions the lack of direct tutoring for the concepts of her classes and the inaccessibility of lab work due to being the only blind student in her classes.
Speaker 1 praises Keisha's excelling in English and her love for writing, including short stories and poems.
Keisha shares her journey to the Colorado Center for the Blind and her work with Speaker 1 and Bill Estrada on customer service skills.

Personal Development Course

Keisha explains her decision to take the personal development course, feeling that there were things holding her back from her potential.
She identifies low expectations and a negative attitude as factors holding her back.
Speaker 1 discusses the impact of negative beliefs from parents and teachers on individuals' subconscious and the possibility of unlearning these beliefs.
Keisha shares how the course helped her adopt positive attitudes and take care of herself better.

Techniques and Techniques from the Course

Keisha mentions using affirmations and mirror work, even though she can't see herself in the mirror.
Speaker 1 explains the concept of affirmations and how they change one's feelings and experiences.
Keisha shares how the course transformed her experiences, leading to more positive outcomes.
Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of feeling good about oneself and how it affects interactions with others.

Impact at Work

Keisha notes a positive change in her interactions at work, with people being happier and more enthusiastic to work with her.
Speaker 1 attributes this change to Keisha's improved self-image and positive attitude.
Keisha mentions the impact of her positive attitude on her calls at the call center, making her interactions more joyful and positive.
Speaker 1 highlights the importance of feeling good about oneself and how it affects one's interactions and work performance.

Hobbies and Talents

Keisha shares her passion for writing, particularly sci-fi and fantasy, and her goal of publishing her stories.
She recalls reading one of her stories to a group, which was well-received and encouraged her.
Speaker 1 praises Keisha's writing skills and the impact of her stories on the group.
Keisha discusses her piano playing, learning by ear and memorizing notes, and her enjoyment of playing Beethoven and Bach.

Support Groups and Recommendations

Keisha explains her participation in the monthly group "Uplift Ourselves" to continue the support and positive reinforcement from the course.
She highlights the importance of having a group to share challenges and support each other.
Speaker 1 describes the group as a peer support system, emphasizing the importance of completing the course to join.
Keisha recommends the course to others, explaining its role in breaking negative thinking patterns and providing a positive perspective.

Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Speaker 1 expresses gratitude for Keisha's participation and the impact of her story on him.
Keisha shares her appreciation for the course and the positive changes it brought to her life.
Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of changing one's thinking to change one's life and the transformative power of the course.
The interview concludes with mutual appreciation and plans to meet again at the next "Uplift Ourselves" group meeting.