The Woman Who Impacted My Life
By Brittany Hayes

I have to choose Helen Keller, ever since we first learned about her in the third grade I fell in love.  She was born in 1880 and was deaf, blind and of course mute.  This was hard to deal with in the 1800s due to the lack of knowledge and technology.  She could somewhat communicate with her family with 60 hand signs by the time she was seven, but, you can not live life with just 60 signs can you?  I mean, yes you can get by but I am sure you want to share more and learn more. 

In 1887 Anne Sullivan (who was also blind) became her instructor, in learning more communication skills.  Well, lets just say it worked beautifully. Helen grew up to become an activist in politics, lecturer, earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree and work within women's rights.

Also so much more, I love this woman because she overcame her disabilities in order to learn, which she then used to make a difference in the world.  It amazes me how much strength and will power one woman can have. You can only hope to be as strong willed as Helen Keller. Thank you!

Above Photo:  Helen Keller, when she was 8, holding hands with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, while they were on vacation.  This 1888 photo was released by the New England Historic Genealogical Society.