NABS Notes - May 2026
"Always in motion is the future. While the path ahead is ever-changing, it is in your willingness to adapt and evolve that you find your true strength." - Master Yoda (Star Wars Episode V Empire strikes Back)
Growth is a lot like the Force. It's always present, even when we can’t fully see it yet. It builds quietly over time, shaped by our choices, our persistence, and our willingness to keep moving forward. With each step we take, we strengthen not only ourselves, but the community around us.
That spirit of growth is alive throughout the National Association of Blind Students. As students, we are constantly learning, evolving, and stepping into new opportunities. Whether it’s through leadership, collaboration, or simply showing up, each of us plays a role in helping our community bloom brighter and reach further together.
Welcome to the May edition of NABS Notes! The official newsletter of the National Association of Blind Students. This month, we’re springing into growth as we take a look at what’s happening across NABS. Inside, you’ll find updates from our committees, Student Division spotlight, reflections from the most recent NABS Leadership seminar, and we’ll finish things off with the resource of the month. And as this edition arrives on May the 4th, we hope it reminds you that the Force and the momentum of this organization is strong with us.
In this edition you will find:
- A message from NABS Board Member Benjamin Grelk
- Student Division Spotlight
- Committee Updates
- NABS Leadership Seminar Reflections
- Resource of the month:
A Message from NABS Board Member Benjamin Grelk
Dear NABS Nation,
There is a specific kind of quiet that falls over us in early May. It’s the sound of pages turning at 2:00 AM, the sipping of energy drinks, and the collective deep breath we all take as we face the final hurdles of the academic year.
We often talk about blooming this time of year, but we also need to discuss the pressure it takes to get there. For a flower to bloom, it first has to survive the weight of the dirt and the uncertainty of the dark. As students, finals season is that weight. Whether you are cramming for your last few exams, prepping for a summer internship, or stepping into a new leadership role within the Federation, remember that the pressure you feel right now is actually the catalyst for your growth.
You're not just getting through this month, you are becoming the professional and leader you were meant to be. Every late-night study session and every advocacy win has added a new layer to your resilience. As we move toward the sunshine of summer and the excitement of our National Convention, take a moment to look back at how far you’ve grown since the seeds were planted last fall.
We are in the home stretch, NABS. Keep pushing, keep growing, and know that your entire Federation family is cheering for your success.
With pride and persistence,
Benjamin Grelk,
Board Member, National Association of Blind Students
Student Division Highlight: Michigan Association of Blind student
- What is something exciting you have planned?
We are currently in the process of planning a future event we are calling "The MIABS Movement". If all goes according to plan, we should have an amazing summer event for our membership. That will be packed with fun, advocacy, education and outreach!
2. What is something exciting that happened in the last month?
Due to our growth and activity, our division had to amend our constitution and add 4 at large board members, Ojon S., Bruce M., Malaki R. , and Shaun W. As well as a new V.P. Kashonia G. They have all been amazing additions and we couldn't be more thankful for their hard work, dedication and brilliant ideas.
3. What is one way that your division has grown in the last month?
We have been a rapidly growing and super active division since November 2025, but to spread awareness and grow at the same time, we implemented a new outreach program for membership called "Guest Quest". We ask all our current members to reach out to everyone they know and ask them to come to one of our meetings as a guest, to see what we are all about and if we would be a good fit for them and someone they know. For every "guest" that our current member brings to a meeting, they get entered into a sweepstakes. This will then roll into our member maker program, where every guest that signs up to be a member will be entered into their own sweepstakes and every original member that brought in that guest gets entered into an additional sweepstakes. It has brought a lot of traffic to our division, raising awareness of not only our division but the national Federation of the blind of Michigan as a whole.
4. What is one sentence that describes the vibe/make up of your division?
You only asked for one, but we actually have two. So bear with us.
The first one is "MIABS, where students lead the way!"
And the second one is an anagram for our summer event that we hope to get up and running, which is The MIABS Movement: Michigan Outreach Validating Equality Mobility Education, and Navigating Tomorrow
Committee Updates!
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee had a successful April, focused on growth and on helping others find their place and the meaning of that place in and beyond NABS. We hosted the first meeting of our new interest group, the NABS Book Club. We held a call focused on finding the Meaning of Membership, during which attendees learned how to get more involved in the Federation at the affiliate level and through groups and divisions, taking the skills they learned in NABS and applying them elsewhere.
In May, we will be hosting a game night where you are invited to kick back and relax from the stress of finals with a history-centered Jeopardy covering everything from Federation history to a category, helping us celebrate and be ready for America’s 250th! It is sure to be a fun time!
Be on the lookout for our next Book Club meeting in June and another call, likely centered around preparing for the National Convention; together, we can continue to learn and grow!
Advocacy Committee
I hope everyone’s May is off to a great start. We had a great call where people grew their knowledge about traveling. I think we were able to plant a lot of good ideas for people to think about as they get ready for summer vacations or the NFB Convention. Coming up in May, we will be hosting a DARE Call with members of Judy’s League as guests to discuss the threat to Section 504 as well as the impending Texas v Kennedy lawsuit. You can bloom into a good advocate by learning how to write letters and express your support for Section 504. We look forward to seeing you in the Zoom room on 5/31 at 8 PM EST. Be paying attention to our weekly questions in the What’s App to discuss questions related to advocacy to gain different perspectives, so all of our individual flower thoughts turn into one big happy gardening.
Fundraising Committee
Hello nabs family! Your fundraising committee has been hard at work this semester! We had our spring double good fundraiser in which we raised $335! But it doesn't stop there. We held an exciting finances 101 call! Taking place on April 26th. This call gave students an opportunity to hear from three amazing panelists on everything a young person needs to know to start taking care of their finances. This includes able accounts, ssi, everything credit and credit history, as well as some overall tips and tricks for being financially successful as a young person. Looking a bit further into the future, we are starting preparations for our annual walkathon! Please stay on the lookout for more details on that coming soon
Content Creation Committee
Hello again, NABS family!!!
The Content Committee has been hard at work bringing fresh energy to everything we do this past month, and we’re excited to share what’s been in the works.
On the podcast side, we’ve been putting together episodes that are both entertaining and genuinely useful. Keep an eye out next month for a special episode featuring some of your former NABS friends as they talk about life after graduation and what’s waiting on the other side.
We’re also turning our attention to our social media presence, with plans to refresh our pages, spotlight your perspectives, and make our spaces more engaging than ever.
None of this would be possible without our incredible co-chairs, who put in hours of effort behind the scenes to keep NABS thriving.
As always, everything we build is stronger when it’s collaborative. If something stands out to you—or you’ve got ideas you want to see brought to life—reach out anytime at :noorkhraisat06@gmail.com.
Stay connected with us on:
NABS Leadership Seminar Reflections
Each spring, select members of the NABS Nation assemble in a galaxy not so far far away, the Jernigan Institute, headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind. Over the course of this seminar, students are recognized for the incredible work happening in their states, while also building connections that help bridge the gap between local student efforts and the national student division.
This weekend is about more than recognition, it's about transformation. The NABS Leadership Seminar is a space where students begin to unlock their own leadership potential, even if they can’t fully see it yet. This seminar plants the seeds for future leaders to rise. It’s where ideas take root, confidence grows, and students leave ready to bring that energy back to their communities.
Below, you’ll hear directly from a few participants as they share their reflections from this year’s seminar:
What does this opportunity of attending a NABS Leadership Seminar mean to you?
Attending the NABS Leadership Seminar meant a great deal to me because it gave me the opportunity to learn from other leaders within the organization—students just like me who are also navigating blindness and discovering their own paths. It was powerful to be surrounded by people who understood similar experiences while also bringing different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Learning from one another showed me that leadership can look different for everyone, and that our shared experiences can be a source of growth and encouragement. I also appreciated that everyone had the chance to actively participate, whether through presenting, performing in a skit, or moderating discussions. That level of involvement made the seminar feel inclusive and empowering. One of my favorite takeaways was the diversity of perspectives, with attendees from across the United States and even other countries, which made the experience even richer. It reminded me that leadership is strengthened when people from different backgrounds come together, share openly, and learn from each other.
What did you learn about yourself as it pertains to leadership by your attendance at this seminar?
Through attending this seminar, I learned a lot about the kind of leader I am. I realized that I am a “fixer”—someone who naturally wants to step in, solve problems, and make sure things get done the right way. I take pride in being dependable and carrying responsibilities, but the seminar also helped me recognize an important area for growth: delegation. I learned that while it’s valuable to be proactive, effective leadership is not about doing everything alone. I often take on too much by myself, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and burned out. This experience showed me that strong leaders trust others, delegate tasks, and work collaboratively so that responsibilities are shared. Moving forward, I want to grow in this area by learning how to better rely on my team, delegate more effectively, and lead in a way that is sustainable for both myself and those around me.
What is your favorite part of attending the seminar?
My favorite part of attending the seminar was definitely the variety of people who were there. Everyone brought their own unique strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and perspectives, which made learning from one another such a meaningful experience. I loved how friendly, welcoming, and supportive everyone was, and it was inspiring to see so many people connect despite coming from different backgrounds. One of the things I enjoyed most was hearing the different accents and experiencing the diversity in the room—from Southern to Hispanic to African and so much more. That variety made the seminar feel even more special because it showed how broad and united our community truly is. More than anything, it was incredible to witness the next generation of Federationists and leaders all in one place. Being surrounded by so many passionate individuals gave me hope for the future and reassured me that we will continue fighting for the rights, opportunities, and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Nancy Gedeon (Indiana)
What does this opportunity of attending a NABS Leadership Seminar mean to you?
Attending the NABS Leadership Seminar meant a lot to me because it was an opportunity to grow alongside other students who are also passionate about leadership and making a difference in their communities. One of my biggest takeaways was that leadership doesn’t look just one way, there are many different styles, and each can be effective in its own way. I also appreciated the honest conversations about challenges within student divisions and how to navigate them. A fun part of the seminar was getting to connect with others in a more casual setting. Those moments made the experience feel more personal and reminded me that leadership is also about building genuine relationships.
What did you learn about yourself as it pertains to leadership by your attendance at this seminar?
Through attending the seminar, I learned that my leadership style is rooted in collaboration and creating spaces where others feel heard and included. I realized that being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers, but rather being willing to listen, adapt, and grow alongside your team. The seminar pushed me out of my comfort zone and to be more intentional as a leader, especially in supporting and involving others..
What is your favorite part of attending the seminar?
My favorite part of the seminar was the sense of community. Whether it was during workshops, discussions, or informal conversations, I felt supported and inspired by the people around me. It reminded me that I’m not alone in this work, and that there is a strong network of leaders who are all working toward similar goals. That feeling is something I will carry with me as I continue in my leadership journey.
Valeria Garcia (California)
Attending the National Association of Blind Students (NABS) Leadership Seminar was a powerful and energizing experience. Through the discussions and activities, I appreciated hearing about unique stories on blindness from a student perspective. One of the most impactful parts of this seminar was the emphasis on breaking low expectations both for ourselves and within the broader community. It challenged me to think critically about how I approach leadership and communication, especially in environments that may not always be designed with blind individuals in mind. Overall, I left feeling more prepared to take on leadership roles, contribute to my affiliate, and continue growing as both a student and an advocate all while also making strong connections among fellow students.
Zachary Ledford (Utah)
Resource of the month: Day One Journaling App
Looking for a simple way to grow this spring? Try journaling! Journaling provides you with precious and intimate time to be alone with your own thoughts, the good and the bad. The successes and the struggles. Both of which can lead to powerful reflection that is bound to have you moving in the right direction.
Even better, research backs it up. A 2025 meta-analysis published in ScienceDirect found that reflective writing can boost critical thinking, decision-making, empathy, and communication skills among students.
That’s where the Day One Journal app comes in. It’s clean, easy to use, and most importantly accessible with screen readers. For our low vision friends, it also includes contrast and display settings you can adjust to fit your needs.
So as we continue blooming bright, consider adding journaling to your routine. Just a few minutes a day can go a long way and give you a real space to track your own personal growth.