Yikes!

Today we had to get all dressed up for a networking event at the center. We have been preparing for it for a week or so now. Basically the students in the center had the opportunity to meet with people from different companies and places of employment to get a feel for opportunities out there. Another student and I are the only ones out of the group that already have jobs, so it was a good opportunity for us to practice. We had to mingle under sleep shades and meet as many folks as possible. I was so overwhelmed. With no sight I had to use my hearing to find out who was talking and what was going on. Not so good without lipreading. Man I didn't realize how good I really was at lipreading until a time like this. There was so much noise I just about wanted to scream and throw my sleep shades across the room. It was so frustrating. I met like four people maybe out of about 15 or so. I just couldn't figure out when to just introduce myself to someone, especially since I wasn't sure about whether or not a conversation was over, or even what was being said. [sigh] It's times like these when I really hate the fact I am going blind. I'm usually so confident and outgoing in a group setting and even when I am meeting whole groups of people. Now I'm not when I have no vision. It's so hard!!! I really hope I can figure that out so I don't lose that vibrant exuberant spirit about me when I am around people.