NABS Notes | November 2021

“You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain.” -Tom Hiddleston
Welcome to the November edition of our NABS Notes! We in NABS understand the stress and frustration that can accompany the end of an academic term, and we want you to know that we’re here to support you however we can. Hopefully, catching up on the latest NABS news will fill you with the energy and determination needed to slay the rest of your academic obligations before a restful holiday season. Read on to learn more about our upcoming events and updates from committees. In this edition you will find:

November Blog Post
November Episode of the NABS Now Podcast
Committee Updates
Stay Connected | NABS Social Media

November Blog Post | Observations through Zoom University

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of students from all across the nation. This month’s blog post shines light on the personal effect it has taken on NABS leader Shelbi Felter. As you read and resonate with this story, please know that you are not alone; you have NABS, a nationwide family and network, to support you through tough times.

November Episode of the NABS Now Podcast | Taking Ownership of Entrepreneurship

On the NABS Now Podcast, we take the time to explore a variety of paths students can choose to take. This is because we believe that blind students should have just as many opportunities for their future as anyone else. This episode is all about starting your own business. It may seem risky and a bit frightening, but many students are finding that the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Listen to learn more!
Thank you to special guest Zhenya Pankova.
Created and produced by Nina Marranca and Seyoon Choi.
Are you interested in assisting with the planning and production of the NABS Now Podcast? Email Nina at: ninam0814@gmail.com for more information.
Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or see our Anchor page for more ways to listen!

Committee Updates

Seeking Student Slate Submissions

Do you feel passionate about a certain topic? Have you ever wanted to share your thoughts with the world? Are you a compelling writer? If you answered “Yes!” to any/all of these questions, we invite you to reach out to NABS Outreach Committee Chair Nina Marranca (contact information below) to discuss being featured on The Student Slate blog post in the coming months! We would love to help cultivate your idea and broaden your audience. Questions?
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, December 12 at 8 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Nina Marranca with questions on how to get further involved.

A Fundraising Force for Change

As our Washington Seminar fundraising efforts move forward, the NABS Fundraising Committee needs you. To support student activities at Washington Seminar, NABS Nation™ needs students who are willing to venture into their communities to collect funds and/or item donations for our annual auction. In addition to supporting NABS, this is a tremendous personal opportunity to gain confidence, build charisma, practice advocacy, and spread the positive Federation philosophy. Plus, anyone who reaches out to five or more individuals, businesses, or organizations with the purpose of seeking donations will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card! Interested in learning more or getting involved?
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, December 12 at 9 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Logan Stenzel with questions on how to get further involved.

Advocating in the Kitchen, from the Sofa, and Beyond

Heading home for the holidays can be an interesting experience for blind students. In order to begin conversations on self-advocating with our families and friends during this season, the NABS Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee dedicated our November call to tackling this topic, and we encourage you to continue this discussion as we navigate through the end of 2021. Remember that NABS is always an available resource, so reach out if you need support!
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, December 19 at 8 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Elizabeth Rouse with questions on how to get further involved.

Enhancing Our Pallets with Your Tastes

The NABS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to discovering new perspectives on different topics of interest. Our past meetings included deep dives into the effects of music, food, and fandoms, based on the lives of our attendees. We invite you to take some time to lend your voice to these monthly discussions and allow us the opportunity to incorporate your unique self into our diverse membership.
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, December 19 at 9 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Robert Parsons with questions on how to get further involved.

… And don’t forget our monthly NABS sound Board, taking place on Sunday, December 26 at 9 PM EST!