Ashlee Thao, a freshman girl who jumped right into high school, has an attitude and mindset that sets her apart from her peers. Because she is blind, many think that Thao’s life is much different, but in reality she is able to do her homework, play an instrument and take on school just like any other high school student. Thao has not shied away from getting involved at South and within the community. She is constantly buzzing around school with confidence and love for all she does.
What makes high school challenging?

The fact that the teachers expect more out of you academically, and you have some peers that you have grown up with all your life. But no, I haven’t grown up with my peers because I have moved around three times, so my peers are going to expect more from me as well.

How do you navigate the hallways?

Easy enough. It’s simple. All you have to do is map and remember. I came to South a little bit last year, and then I have had a person shadowing me maybe the past three weeks to begin with and after that I felt pretty comfortable on my own.

How do you use the technology?

It depends on what’s going on. I still use the MacBooks Airs, but there are flaws with it. But I still use my braille display. I just have to work with what I have every day.

What are some of the things you struggle with on a daily basis?

I never really thought about it, but every day is a challenge. I honestly just go with that comes my way but the hardest thing I find in school is geometry. It’s very visual and the teacher is sometimes on the board which is not on the notes and I get very confused.

Can you explain your traditional school day?

Usually I get up in the morning and finish my homework at five in the morning and then once I get to school it’s fly by the seat of your pants. I have to rush to print or email all my assignments to my teachers and my first hour is study hall so we work on anything I am struggling with and then Latin, orchestra, social studies, Science, Geometry, and then English.

What are you involved in inside and outside of school?

Inside of school I am involved in orchestra, and most of my extracurricular activities are Student Council and Club 121 and those are the two that I am most committed to. I am also involved in my church like the youth choir which sings every Sunday, and also Confirmation classes start in January.

Do you play any instruments?

I play the violin, piano and really enjoy singing.

What are some of your goals in high school?

My short term goals include, trying to get straight A’s the best I can. I also want to be more involved because as a person I feel more isolated when I am doing homework, but I hardly have enough time in the day so I some how want to keep in touch with the social life at school. As for my long term goals I want to make it to college. I want to get into one of the higher colleges, maybe an Ivy League school. After I’m there I want to get my masters and my PhD. I think my top school ever since I was a little girl is Juilliard.