Page 16 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2022 - Online Magazine

Amy Conley

Insight from a

UNIQUE

PERSPECTIVE

by Amy Conley and Katherine McLamore Lowrance

" iss Amy, I’m scary-looking and write in Braille and began using Beethoven before she began losing
and covered in tattoos!” a typewriter in the 2nd grade.” her hearing.” As a teenager, Amy
M“Well, you don’t look scary Teachers worked to facilitate her ministered at various churches and
to me,” Amy replied calmly. As a learning, although she remembers conferences.
blind counselor, she couldn’t see her one who was not sensitive to the
criminal justice client with physical needs of blind students. “I had Amy graduated from Idalou High in
eyes. However, she saw the heart of a PE teacher who made me play 1992 as Salutatorian, then attended
this vulnerable man, hiding behind Dodgeball and Red Rover. Kids can Wayland Baptist University,
his protective mask. also be cruel, and some instances majoring in Psychology and
of bullying were quite serious. I Religion. She utilized state funding
Amy Conley’s parents had just learned to stand up for myself when to pay others to read assignments
started serving their new church I wasn’t safe. I now understand that to her because Braille books were
when confronted with the reality those who bully are often insecure not available. Amy toured with the
that their infant daughter would or afraid of someone who’s different. International Choir and embraced
be blind. Amy recalls, “I have a It’s our job to build bridges while campus life. “I felt secure and
rare genetic disease called Liebers politely correcting misconceptions.” began to realize that there are lots
which caused my retinas to develop of people who will accept us as we
improperly, allowing me to see When Amy was 16, her father are.”
only light.” Viewing trials through pastored the First
the lens of faith, Amy’s parents Baptist Church in After obtaining her
reminded her that she was God’s Idalou, TX. Love Bachelors Degree in 1996,
handiwork. “You’re a miracle, Amy. for music had she went on to earn a
Doctors said it was a million to one begun at age two, Masters of Education
chance you’d be blind. God must when she joined in counseling and
have special things for you to do.” her dad at the Human Development
piano. Amy took from Hardin-Simmons
Amy attended public school in lessons in 2nd University. Amy accepted
Gustine, TX. “It was no coincidence and 3rd grade. a position at a residential
the Special Education teacher was “Mrs. Aduddell substance abuse center
certified to work with the blind, introduced me to in Abilene in 1998. There
which allowed me to continue classical composers she obtained certifications
living at home. I learned to read like Bach and as a licensed Chemical

16 Lubbock Senior Link