Deep winter is upon us. Fireplaces are crackling with seasoned wood, herbal teas are steeping and the promise of rich storytelling lures us indoors. Whether gathered around a table laden with food, or curled up with a beloved book, our stories weave us together, offering warmth and connection. For Olive Byman, a senior at Coal Ridge High School, stories are the very essence of humanity.
“I am drawn to people because of everyone’s different story,” she told The Sopris Sun. “We can chat about it and then I can share my part. I love getting to know people and what they’ve been through, and I feel like each story brings us a different lesson.”
Eloquent, joyful and deeply caring, Byman is the type of storyteller people gravitate toward. Her laughter rings as she describes being the oldest of 11 siblings and needing some quiet, and thoughtful insight flows as she reflects upon overcoming an unimaginable adversity: losing her eyesight.
Nearly 15 years ago, as a toddler, Byman had a stroke. Thorough scanning revealed a brain tumor that required immediate surgery. When she awoke, she was completely blind. Slowly, her right eye regained limited vision, but the tumor damaged her left eye’s optic nerve leaving it blind.
“With my right eye, I do not have peripheral vision. It’s like looking through a straw,” said Byman. “I can see colors just fine, and it’s easier for me to see things closer up than further away.”
Despite the gravity of her circumstances, Byman, with her community’s support, is committed to fulfilling her dreams. A year ago, Byman’s life changed when she met Jeo Mendez, Ascendigo’s vocational and housing assistant director, and mentor to qualified students enrolled in Colorado’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). One day during class, Mendez asked the students if they were ready to lead independent lives. Byman’s hand shot up.
“From the very beginning she knew she wanted to work, but she didn’t know what she wanted to do,” said Mendez. “One way or another she came upon the idea that being a librarian would be fun.”
As a book lover fascinated by culture and art, Byman knew the library would bring meaningful work. With Mendez’s assistance, she wrote a resume and cover letter and practiced her interviewing skills while Mendez connected with the Silt Library. Branch Manager Brenda Ramirez was thrilled to hear Byman was seeking employment and immediately created a paid internship position. After three months, Ramirez was impressed by Byman’s work ethic and asked her to apply for the library page position.
“I rewrote my cover letter and resume and went through the interview process,” said Byman. “There were maybe four or five others who applied, and they said I was the best one who interviewed. I got the job! It was the first interview I ever had.”
Since September, Byman has proven to be an asset for the library. Mendez and Ramirez complimented her drive, cheerful demeanor and strong desire to help patrons and co-workers. Wanting to support her success, the team gifted Byman a pair of glasses that magnify the minuscule call numbers she uses to shelve books. The work became infinitely easier.
“Olive is such a go-getter,” said Mendez. “If there’s something in her way, she’s going to figure out a way to get around it or through it. She’s really motivated.”
Supporting independence
The journey toward independence is often sparked by desire and elevated by communal support. In Byman’s story, Ascendigo’s vocational program and DVR played pivotal roles. DVR helps individuals with cognitive and physical differences achieve gainful employment by providing funds for families and organizations like Ascendigo, a registered provider.
While Ascendigo is only for people on the autism spectrum, Mendez said his work in the schools is funded by DVR. He added that students receive services for free, and lucrative financial assistance can be used for trade school, college and living expenses. Businesses partnering with DVR also benefit. Fiscally, DVR will pay an individual’s salary for the first 160 hours in addition to any reimbursements such as training and supplies. Personally, businesses connect with dependable individuals eager to work.
“They’re just like everybody else,” said Mendez. “I think a big thing businesses see is that it’s just a different way of doing things. Maybe it takes a little bit longer, but once our individuals learn the task they’re unstoppable.”
While expressing gratitude for her team’s support, Byman said she is excited about her future. After graduation, she hopes to apply for a library specialist position, and eventually become a youth services coordinator.
“Take every opportunity that is given to you because you never know what door might be opened by that chance,” said Byman. “Go and start talking to people. You can learn a lot and broaden your experience in life.”