BLIND BRILLIANCE

THE news that he has been ranked seventh in the world in ‘A’ Level Sociology was so unexpected that Diego Martin resident, Mikkel Trestrail, had to double check with principal Sr Petronilla Joseph. Trestrail, who has been completely blind since age 11, said he was just getting ready to go to his grandmother’s home around 8 am, when Sr Joseph called with the good news, but shocked as he was, it did not hit him at first. He said he called Sr Joseph at 9 am and it was only then he realised “how blessed I truly was and how much God had done for me.” Trestrail, who also obtained a grade A in Business Studies and grade B in General Paper for 2004, and a grade B in Psychology at A’ Level last year, was allowed to write his examination in braille. He said that the exam paper was in braille, and so were his responses. He also noted that a specialist was on hand to read his answers so that a typist could make a hard copy and both papers — the typewritten transcript and braille — were submitted to the examinations body.

Trestrail, 21, was born prematurely at 27 weeks, weighing only two pounds, 11 ounces. He was exposed to too much oxygen which caused him to lose sight in his right eye. At the age of 11, he also lost sight in his left eye. He was taken to Philadelphia for surgery, but this did not work out. Trestrail said while he was distressed about losing his eyesight, he was also a bit excited by the prospect of surviving without it. He said the first time he made a phone call without any assistance, he was so excited that he  knew there was no turning back. He later joined the School for the Blind, but it was some time before the distress and frustration gave way to understanding, love, and faith in God, and this gave him the strength to overcome this obstacle in his life. So what kind of study plan does a blind genius have? Well Trestrail’s study plan includes a lot of support from family members, friends, the church and the school. He said during his secondary school years and leading up to A’ Level examinations, he would tape his lectures and study from the tapes.

In addition, he depended on the help of two good and dependable friends, Ayanna and Jude, who read to him from his textbooks, since none of his books were in braille. He said the challenge in this was having to depend on someone else all the time, especially when the people around you have responsibilities of their own. He said his mom Valerie, dad Michael, sister Michelle and brother Marc would be there for him, helping him with his work, reading to him, but there were times when, although they may want to, they could not be there. “Knowing that exams were coming closer and believing that I did not do as much as I should have, was frustrating,” said Trestrail. “I could not open a book for myself and say I am going to revise my work, or I am going to study. “But my friends and family, they are really the best, they were there when I needed them the most.” Trestrail also attributed his success to his extra-curricular activities, which he said helped to “maintain his sanity” during trying times, and which has made him an all round person. His list of activities include membership in God’s Anointed New Generation (GANG), the Catholic Commission for Social Justice, church retreats, liming with friends and the cinema.

Trestrail is a big cinema fan and says that “White Chicks” was the last movie he “saw” and he thought it was quite funny. Describing his cinema excursions with friends, Trestrail said he usually follows the dialogue and uses his imagination to follow the scenes. He said for scenes that you must see to understand the movie plot, one of his friends would describe it to him. So what’s next for this world class scholar? Trestrail said that most of his teachers, family and friends were trying to encourage him to go to UWI, but he doesn’t think he wants that at this stage of his life. He said his plan is to teach for one year and see what happens after that. “What I really want to do is to give back to people some of what has been given to me.” He advised others that regardless of their disability, remember that God made you for the best and no matter what is your situation, you deserve the best there is in life. “Put God first, surround yourself with love and support and you would succeed in life,” advised Trestrail.