As much as it hurts others by not going out on your own you’re hurting yourself more. Here’s my question, your life expectancy is much longer than theirs, who’s going to do what they do for you when they’re gone?

There’s a story my mom tells about when I was at Dallas Services. I was about 3 and they started teaching me to cross streets. Mom was horrified! She told them that I didn’t need to learn that and she would always be there to help me with that. She was asked, “What about when he’s 40 and you’re dead.” Luckily for me that got to her. I guess what I’m saying is you’re the only one who can understand you and have your own best interests at heart.

As far as what to pack I can’t help you much there. I went to public school, never went to TSB, and as soon as I was on my own I lived in a dorm at TAMU Commerce for a year then in apartments after that. So let me ask a few questions? How long will you be there, what are the accommodations like, will you have a room mate, do you have a list of things prohibited like some college dorms do?

Be sure to eat some Moist brisket from Rudy’s, a Thundercloud sandwich, and a burger from Mighty Fine for me. I moved out of Austin 2 years ago after living there for 12 years and that’s about all I miss.

PS. If I may ask where in TX are you?

Can you explain a little more about you already "went to college" yet also want "to go back to college" ? What is your objective regarding college?

The rest of the adventures completely make sense, and it seems your main limitation is your grandparents over-protectiveness of you. Have you heard of the term "countertransferrence"? This happens when someone who assumes a care taker role feels the need to be a hero, and feels fulfilled "rescuing" someone. It usually happens when that caretaker themselves feels helpless, perhaps your grandparents do. It seems like their protection of you comes more from what they need than what you need.

Honestly, Chriss Cole is going to such a good place for you once they open back up. Im a TVI in San Antonio.

What you're feeling now is something you can talk about at Chriss Cole and discuss your concerns with people who have lived it.

Honestly, I think you and your parents need to set some boundaries. If your grandparents can't be nice, then that's going to impact your relationship.

As for a packing list, theres a few general things.
You'll be in a dorm-like housing situation but you're an adult. They won't be keeping up after you there.
You'll need a sheet set- probably a twin or twin xl
Im not sure if they have hangers. You might need to call.
Pillows, pillow cases, and a blanket or two.

Towels

Toiletries and personal hygiene items such as your toothbrush, shampoo, etc.- they'll probably provide TP but again, double check.

Clothes that can be easily layered. They'll have you navigating all over Austin, so having light layers you can put on and off is good. I've got a student who loves zip off cargo pants. That may be overkill for you but it works for him.

Sunglasses.

A light backpack or crossbody bag that doesn't hinder your cane use.

Sunscreen- face and body. Spray sunscreen is really easy to use and face sunscreen comes in a tube that can get thrown in your bag.

A hat with a nice visor

Hair ties if you have long hair

Good walking shoes that are broken in. Blisters are no fun.

Socks that fit your shoes comfortably.

A swim suit

Clothes that can be worn at work or college.

A small first aid kit

Chriss cole has a few transition programs you may be eligible for

A texas workforce Commission VI counselor if you don't have one already. (You don't pack them lol but they are incredibly helpful and will help facilitate your stay and different resources).

Chriss Cole is TWC and NFB- I know NFB is big on long canes but take whatever cane you're comfortable with and pack an extra if you have it.

If you have any functional vision, be prepared to go under blindfold. They are all about structured discovery and learning to live an everyday life without the use of vision. I've heard fantastic things about people's experiences.

Overall, go and don't worry about other people. Use this as your starting point to live the rest of your life. As a stranger from the same state, I'm so proud of you for taking this step.
You can do this! If you have any other questions or need to get connected to a TWC counselor, message me or reply here and I'll message you some info.

Good luck!!

Editing to add: pack your phone, a couple phone chargers, and a talking watch that is comfortable to wear. You may also want a slate and stylus for notes if your a braille reader and don't use your phone for stuff like that. Most folks use their phone but just in case.
Also, take some entertainment like magazines, books, talking books, etc.

I've been blind since birth, too, if that makes any difference.

My advice is fuck your grandparents. From now on their thoughts should just simply not factor into what you choose to do. Imagine you at 73 saying to someone, "I wanted to fly free and have adventures, but I did neither so as to please my grandparents." What a fucking bumber that'd be, right?

My further advice is to go to college. I googled, and I couldn't find out what Chris Cole college is, but I hope its a mainstream college, not a blind people college. Do they even have colleges for all blind people? I don't know the answer, but if they do my advice is not to go to one.

My further advice is to get mobility training at that college as soon as you can. I went to a big school and I remember how overwhelming navigation can be! My advice is to become 'good friends,' in quotes, with the disabilities department at the school where you'll go.

You also might want to look into getting a guide dog if you want to do a lot of walking. I know that's really personal preference, but I got a dog right before I went to college and switching from caine travel to dog travel made my life like twenty times easier and twice as fun. I went to the Seeing Eye in Moristown Joursey, but there are other schools all around the country.

My further advice is to insist on walking up and down the stairs on your own, at home, and frankly to throw an out of control shitfit, without giving anyone over 70 a heart attack if this meets resistence.

Um, if you don't use http://bookshare.org my advice is to start using that, too, its the fastest way of getting the most amount of books, including college textbooks!

As far as what to pack, aside from the tipical college stuff, I'd say several pairs of good looking sunglasses.

I don't know anything about Criss Cross but I'm rooting for you; even though your grandparents are trying to love and protect you it sounds like their care is smothering for you. Best wishes.

Good luck with Chris Col!

What do you plan to study what industry do you want to get into?

What would happen if you went ahead and told your grandparents that you love and appreciate all that they've done for you but you feel it is time to become independent? Are your parents afraid it would worry them? Perhaps your grandparents would be overjoyed that you're taking this leap?


I feel as if ripping the bandaid would be less hurtful than hiding a secret and not showing up. Perhaps, if you showed your determination and shared your plan, it would ease their concern?