Justice Shorter, Author at International Student House Washington, DC

Choices

October 15, 2015 by Justice Shorter

Each day we are presented with a series of choices. Some choices can be made with ease and relative certainty while others create chasms of personal and professional insecurities. Throughout the past year I’ve learned that life is less about the choices we make but rather how and why we declare each decision. I’ve learned that what we choose is contingent upon where we are mentally, emotionally, financially and socially at that given moment. Choices are determined by who we want to be and where we hope to end up as a direct result of those choices.

Similar to most ISH residents I am presently preparing for the next phase of my post graduate career. The choices appear limitless. My personal passions have persuaded me to pursue professional positions related to social justice, sustainable development, diversity, accessibility and inclusion. I believe I have the capacity to thrive in any of these categories. However, whether or not I am granted a position is not for me to choose. As applicants all we can do is properly prepare for new opportunities, perform well during interviews and learn how to balance both patience and persistence. Right?

Wrong! We can choose to see potential in places where no opportunity previously existed. We can choose to open ourselves up to unexplored options that were constrained from being fully considered due to fear, rejection and self-doubt. We can choose to seek out creative pathways when it seems as though the stress of life has completely stripped us of our sensibilities and ability to make substantive yet suitable selections about where we live, where we work, how much money we make, what we can do, who we spend time with etc.

The choices made daily can affect the trajectory of an entire lifetime. And yes, the pressure can be stifling and seemingly unbearable. Perhaps this is why I am constantly reminding myself to breathe and meditate during difficult moments that are marked by choices that I sometimes feel unequipped to handle. Then I realize that choices are a constant variable in life. There will always be another choice around the corner if I am unsatisfied with a choice that I can’t justify. I strive to remember that If a choice I’ve made can’t be changed then I can choose how I react to the circumstance and will hopefully choose to make different decisions in the future. Even making no choice is still a choice.

I recognize that various angles of privileged protrude throughout each paragraph of this post. I am privileged that my choices are not fraught with decisions concerning how I will feed my children, how I can migrate to a country where I am not penalized or persecuted for my sexuality or religion, where to run on the ground when bombs are falling from the sky, who to trust when those who lead live in luxury while my family is trapped in poverty or where I can go for treatment when the closest hospital is miles away and far too expensive for me to afford.

We all have choices. The choices I deal with on a daily basis are difficult but not impossible. They possess a power that can allow me to help others diversify their portfolio of progressive personal and professional choices. I now know that for me at the end of each day choosing to help bring positive change to the lives of others are the only choices that really matter.

Justice

Happy Independence Day!

July 7, 2015 by Justice Shorter

Americans around the world recently celebrated the 4^th of July, a monumental day marking the country’s independence. The festivities and fireworks inspired me to reflect on moments that have signified shifts in my own understanding of both independence and interdependence.

In America, we often equate independence with freedom. Nevertheless, we frequently cultivate relationships with other foreign powers in order to protect and promote our interest, chief among them being what Americans like to refer to as fundamental freedoms (check out the U.S. constitution in general or the Bill of Rights in particular for further information). When examined closely, we come to notice that these international relationships are built upon mounds of mutually beneficial agreements and intricate webs of interdependence.

Imagine if America was completely independent. Free of any foreign connections of any kind. In such an increasingly connected world the thought is nearly inconceivable. The extreme end of independence whereby the nation can become entirely self-sufficient is even economically unrealistic when considering concepts such as scarcity and specialization. All nations are interdependent in some capacity whether it is related to trade, security or global development.

I fervently believe that the aspects that make America such a dynamic and resilient nation often reside at the nexus of community and diversity. Each day one can witness new relationships blossoming at the International Student House. Residents often rely on each other for advice and assistance on a wide range of issues. The house undeniably serves as a microcosm of a global community where individuals worldwide take pride in reliable relationships that allow both involved parties to realize their aspirations.

Next year on the 4^th of July I intend to celebrate the progress of this great nation. However, I will also strive to consider the contributions that other nations have made that continue to strengthen the character and capacity of this country. I will remember the sacrifices of soldiers and diplomats working to provide and preserve peace around the world as countries in conflict fight over various variations or interpretations of freedom and independence. I will not only celebrate the day we were declared independent but also all of the unacknowledged days where we demonstrate our interdependence as proud contributors to a growing and glowing global community.

Living the Dream

March 9, 2015 by Justice Shorter

In a world riddled with violence, intolerance and injustice, we must remain inspired to live a life on the precipice of change and progress.

As a legally blind African-American lesbian, I frequently find myself in awe of how far we’ve come as a nation. My daily activities are considerably less cumbersome in comparison with the challenges faced by blind activists who fought ferociously to secure basic standards of accessibility for all people with disabilities. I now find myself imagining the details of my wedding day, a concept I would’ve never dreamed of 15 years ago as a young girl grappling with my socially stigmatized sexuality. When dealing with discouraging circumstances I reflect on the resilience of Black women who have come before me and am always reinvigorated by their unwavering strength and innumerable sacrifices.

Personally, Black History Month has always been a time to learn, reflect and recommit myself to actively contributing to the creation of a world free of racial discrimination and inequality. Throughout the year I often find myself wedged between waging thoughts about the hope of a nation filled with dreams yet to be realized and the harsh realities of dreams differed by a series of seemingly impenetrable social problems. Perhaps it is this exact internal struggle that has caused me to seek out glimmers of light amid the darkened skies presently hovering above America and our quest to quail simmering racial tensions.

These stormy racial conditions aren’t new or surprising. The struggle to heal America’s racial problems can be seen in nearly every aspect of society. It is evident in the eyes of Black girls who are bombarded with white washed images of beauty that idealize superficial standards of long hair and light skin. It is clear when examining the number of Black men and boys who receive far lengthier jail sentences in comparison with their White counterparts who commit similar crimes. It is apparent in the Department of Justice’s recently released report acknowledging racist patterns and practices within the Ferguson MO police department. It is present at our boarder where unauthorized vigilantes scour the scorched desert with xenophobic zeal.

Nevertheless, I am resolved to believe that hope always resides on the horizon. Dr. King once said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”. As a result, I believe love will continue to conquer hate and prefer to live a life in the light rather than eek out an existence draped in darkness.

Correspondingly, Dr. King was honored last month with a stunning concert performed by DC’s extraordinary Coral Choir. The International Student House provided 10 tickets to the annual Living The Dream, Singing The Dream concert and residents were eager to hear the soulful sounds of this eclectic collection of singers. We were not disappointed. The show was absolutely lovely. As I sat there listening to a cacophony of angelic voices from all walks of life, I was once again reminded that we must continue dreaming of new remedies to racial inequality and awaken with enough courage to make them a reality.

Seeing the World through Words

February 9, 2015 by Justice Shorter

Would you like me to describe it to you?

As a legally blind person I get this question quite often. Well-meaning friends, associates, family members and even strangers attempt to capture and convey the wonders of our vastly visual world. I frequently marvel at their creativity, clarity and commitment.

Their eclectic perspective of the visual scenery that encompasses our everyday existence has given me the chance to see life through someone else’s eyes. Let me just say, the view is breathtaking. There is so much to be gleaned about someone’s personality and perspective on life purely based on the way they choose to describe the activities, people and physical atmosphere of the world around them.

You quickly begin to learn what’s important to someone by what they choose to include or exclude from their descriptions. For instance, a parent will often acknowledge the presence of children when describing a place or space. Cultural connoisseurs tend to highlight the historical or traditional significance of a space/object. Fashionistas typically describe clothing, shoes and accessories in considerable detail. Peers at the International Student House frequently describe new destinations, daily adventures around DC and weekend excursions along the coast in colorful language linked to all corners of the globe.

My curiosity has served as a catalyst for creating new relationships with people who desire to illuminate aspects of life that have been dimmed but never completely darkened, by my blindness. Personally, I love to attend theater productions, concerts, poetry readings and dine at a plethora of ethnic eateries. To be clear, my experiences would be immensely pleasurable regardless of whether someone provides a visual interpretation given the sheer joy I receive by actively engaging in amazing activities.

So who are these visual interpreters and how do you become one? Well the answer is simple; anyone can be an interpreter of the visual world. Nonetheless, it is paramount that I emphasize a few differences and distinctions amongst visually impaired people. First, not everyone will be receptive to an unsolicited description. Most blind people have a very perfectly pleasing and uniquely personal sensory method of gathering information/details about their surroundings. A visual interpreter respects the abilities and autonomy of those in the blind community.

Throughout the years I’ve had the honor of meting many blind individuals who are managing to maneuver throughout this sighted world with a mind-blowingly high degree of efficiency and effectiveness. Which brings me to my second and perhaps most important point. A visual interpreter should strive to be cognizant of the inferences and interests of the person receiving the description. To accomplish these interpreters may pose a series of questions to gain a greater understanding of if, what and how the visually impaired person would like you to interpret. Again, everyone is different. Correspondingly, some people may appreciate an in depth description of everything from magnanimous to minute details. Others may prefer a more panoramic or ‘big picture’ portrait of non-auditory actions or activities.

Try asking the following questions before you begin your interpretation:

Would you like me to describe what’s happening? Do you want a visual interpretation?

Would you like me to interpret facial expressions and body language? Should I describe clothing, hair styles and accessories? Should I mention any culturally specific gestures or non-verbal behavior?

Would you like me to describe objects, scenery and settings?

Would you like me to use descriptions that include colors, textures and shapes?

Are there any specific hobbies or interests that you would like me to use as a point of reference? Should I relate the description to any comparable experiences? For example, relating the description to tactical tasks such as cooking, fishing etc.

Keep in mind your interpretations should be tailored based to the preferences of the person receiving the description. Lastly, be creative and have fun. Visual interpretation is a budding art form that stems from a genuine willingness to heighten the aesthetic awareness of blind friends, colleagues and family members. Thus, these techniques and styles blossom anew with each intuitive, interpersonal and innovative description.