Despite being diagnosed with a terrifying condition, she continues to be a student veteran advocate and is inspired by her work.
“My students, without a doubt keep me motivated. I love spending time with veterans. Jill Hinton Wolfe said, “I enjoy being with my fellow veterans.”
At Grand Valley State University, Wolfe is the institution’s first manager of military and veteran resources. She has been dedicating her time to this role for the past two-years.
“Returning to school after service is difficult. It’s simply a completely different perspective, and it’s so motivating to see them succeed, she added.
Wolfe was 19 years old when he enlisted in Army. He served three years active duty.
She added that she was truly excited to embark on an adventure, and pursue something significant and meaningful with her life.
After serving in the military, her mission inspired her to become a mother, wife and business owner. Her future vision quickly began to fade.
In 2017, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. This is a rare, inherited condition.
My peripheral vision is mostly gone at the moment. I see my center field between 12-15 degrees. In the next 10 to 15 years, I’ll probably lose the majority of that, she remarked.
“I like to think of it as if your retina were a huge jumbotron. It is possible to still see the picture if just one or two lights go out. However, as more lights go out it becomes harder and harder for you to see.
Wolfe continued to study the illness and said that it was hard to face. However, she changed her outlook to make the most of what she had remaining.
“Ended time, I realized there were two possible responses to this, and I noticed many individuals online who share my condition and were declaring my life to be over.
I just thought that was not helpful since there is nothing for me to do or be useful in this world and I’m just going to waste away. I won’t respond to it in that way, she added.
Hannah, Wolfe’s leader dog who guides her through life, is what allows her to carry on serving.
She stated, “Having a dog by my side allows me to continue to be out there in the world, whether we are flying on an airplane, eating at a restaurant, or going hiking.”
She stated that, while her service to her country was an honour, it was more rewarding to do the same for her community.
It is very important for many, especially post-9/11 veteran, to give back and serve. It’s just something that’s a necessity for us and something that we are still inspired to do, whether that’s giving a tour at your children’s school or doing what I do, which is helping student veterans earn their degree and succeed,” said Wolfe.
Source: woodtv
