Jessica Smith

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I earned my bachelor and master degrees here at FSU through the Blindness & Low Vision Education Program which is unique to FSU. After finding a career I'm passionate about accidentally through being hired as a paraprofessional at a school, I came to FSU to become a teacher of students who have visual impairments (TSVI) and a certified orientation & mobility specialist (COMS). After working as a TSVI/COMS for a few years, I noticed there was an opportunity to further the field in a different way through teaching and mentoring future TSVIs and COMS as well as contributing to research and I wanted to be part of that. I value FSU's commitment to teaching and research and I knew there were professionals I could learn so much from at FSU so I decided to come back to pursue my doctorate.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I study how participation in sports and/or physical activity effects individuals who have visual impairments socially and psychologically. Individuals who have visual impairments often miss out on opportunities to participate in sports or physical activity which may contribute to deficits in social skills and mental health as well as physical health needs. I work to highlight how participation in sports and physical activity may be a great opportunity to improve social skills and mental health measures for individuals with visual impairments and advocate for inclusion in these types of activities

Career aspirations

I'm excited to produce research that furthers the experience of those who have visual impairments and excite the future of the Blindness & Low Vision Education field through teaching and mentoring as a faculty member at a university. I also would love to work with blind athletes to share their stories, wins, and encourage others to pursue their dreams.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Take the leap! I have learned so much about myself through starting this doctoral degree journey and it's not as scary as it seems. There is so much support available.

Accomplishments during graduate career

During my first year of my PhD program I was given the incredible opportunity to teach a few classes within the Blindness & Low Vision Education program. As an instructor I got to see the experiences of a cohort grow through their own educational journey and will be able to see them become the wonderful TSVIs and COMS they have worked to be. I also was given the opportunity to be the president-elect of the Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (FAER) where I helped organize a biannual conference as well as lead a few sessions of my own.