Through Taengkwa’s Eyes: Where My Story Begins

By Taengkwa Sturgell

Excerpt: Born in Thailand and blind since birth from Retinopathy of Prematurity, Taengkwa Sturgell opens a new blog series inviting readers to see the world through her eyes.

We are delighted to welcome Taengkwa Sturgell to the PRRF blog. Taengkwa has lived with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) since birth, and she is a graduate in Special Education with a heart for serving others. This post is the first in her new series, Through Taengkwa’s Eyes. We hope you will follow along as she shares her journey, her faith, and the lessons she has learned. ~ The PRRF Team

“With my eyes, I can see light. But with my heart, my experiences, and the guidance of God, I am able to see so much more of the beauty in the world.” ~ Taengkwa Sturgell

Here’s Taengkwa’s first article, “Where My Story Begins”

By Taengkwa Sturgell

Have you ever imagined trading eyes with another person and seeing the world from their perspective?

That is what I hope to accomplish through the blogs I will be sharing with you: to give you a glimpse into the world through Taengkwa’s Eyes.

My name is Taengkwa Sturgell, and I do not know exactly where to begin my story. However, as I write, I am reflecting on one of the most important milestones of my life.

Coming Home

This August marks 19 years since I came home to America with my adopted family. That moment is a huge part of where my journey began.

I was born in Thailand and lived there until I was five years old. In 2007, my family adopted me, and almost two decades later, my story is still being written.

Growing Up on the Farm

Growing up, I lived on a farm, spent countless hours outdoors, exhibited 4-H animals, participated in extracurricular school activities, and experienced many other moments that shaped the person I am today.

Through all of these experiences, I have learned the importance of perseverance, faith, and having people who believe in me. Without my perseverance, my faith in God, and the support of my family, I could have been blinded by fear and unable to see the light ahead.

Seeing Light

Physically, I have been blind since birth because of a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity, or ROP. I have undergone three eye surgeries and am incredibly blessed by the care, research, and support provided by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation. Those experiences have also inspired me to share my story through writing.

With my eyes, I can see light. But with my heart, my experiences, and the guidance of God, I am able to see so much more of the beauty in the world.

I believe that even when we cannot see everything physically, there are still so many things we can recognize, experience, and appreciate in our lives. I want to use my story to shine a light for others.

A Heart for Service

One of my greatest passions has always been serving others and making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Pursuing a career in special education has given me the opportunity to work with children with many different disabilities and to learn from them along the way. While earning my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, I gained experiences that strengthened my passion for this work.

The Journey Ahead

After graduating from college, I knew that my journey was only beginning. Now, I want to continue that journey through writing.

Through these blogs, I hope to inspire, encourage, and remind others that there is always more to a person’s story than what we see on the surface. My goal is to give you a glimpse into my experiences, the lessons I have learned, the people who have shaped me, and the world as I see it.

Thank you for joining me. I cannot wait to share more with you, through Taengkwa’s Eyes.

Watch for the next post in Taengkwa’s series here on the PRRF blog. Have a story of your own? We would love to hear it: Share Your Story.

Resources:

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) – PRRF
• Retinopathy of Prematurity – National Eye Institute
• For Young Adults – PRRF
• Support PRRF’s research – Donate