by Michael E. Garrett
I grew up in Texas where I began going to school in the mid-1950s. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter a regular kindergarten class, I spent the first four years of my schooling in a special education setting in a public school. Because of her lack of training, and thus her inability to understand my eye condition, my teacher held me back in third grade because I couldn’t read fast enough.
Feeling some kind of way, I asked my mother to send me to “that school in Austin.” Thus, I entered the Texas Blind, Deaf & Orphan School (TBD&O) in 1960. Our resources were meager as we were segregated from the Texas School for the Blind (TSB), but our teachers were resourceful. We were exposed to great writers, speakers, Black history, Texas history and the importance of civic engagement. We were introduced to several musical genres, including jazz, gospel and classical, as we had to attend performances by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
That experience was the foundation that prepared me for the integration of our schools in 1965. After the first quarter’s grades were posted, I was met in the hallway and informed that I had made the honor roll. That set off a determination in me to always try to do my very best. I liked making A’s, and ultimately attained the honor of valedictorian in the graduating class of 1969.
From TSB, I enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. After many challenges and obstacles, especially given the lack of technology at that time, I finished in 1973 with a BBA degree in finance.
There has always been a debate about students attending residential schools versus public schools. One thing that stands out to me are the life-long, close-knit friendships I gained at both schools. I will never forget Clarance Coleman, who mentored me in my early years at TBD&O, and Betty Huffman, who graduated a year ahead of me and was my biggest encourager when I entered the University of Texas. I will always treasure those relationships.