Delaney Zeidman

Contributing Writer

The 27th Annual Through Their Eyes Conference was hosted on April 10 in Rosenkrans Hall. The Through Their Eyes Conference’s goal is to inform people about those who live with disabilities and help us to understand that they too are contributing members of society. 

There were many inspirational speakers who told their stories, emphasizing the themes of hope and hard work. One of these speakers was Kristal Nemeroff, who was born with a bone condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Nemeroff’s bones are very fragile making it hard to walk or do a lot of physical activity. This didn’t stop Nemeroff from pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse, even if it wasn’t easy.

Nemeroff was faced with much adversity throughout her years in nursing school. Professors told her she wouldn’t be able to do the work, at clinics they told her she couldn’t take care of the patients, and even when she would ace her classes, the professors claimed Nemeroff would never find a job. Nemeroff overcame all of her obstacles, stayed strong and graduated from East Stroudsburg University as a nursing major.

Despite what everyone said Nemeroff has made an amazing, independent life for herself. She is married with two sons, works as a school nurse at a special school for kids with autism, and she became a voice of empowerment to those that do live with a disability.

Another speaker at the Through Their Eyes Conference was Slade Heller, an acclaimed songwriter, singer and musician. Despite only having one hand, Heller is able to play the drums, piano, trumpet and guitar. 

Heller said he fell in love with music at a young age. He talked about how music helped heal him emotionally. It was an outlet for Heller to feel as though he belonged. During his talk, Heller played music for us. With one arm, Heller is unable to play the basic drum sets, but we watched as he made his own mini drum kit that allowed him to play. 

After showing us his drum skills, Heller played songs on the guitar. He said that even though he didn’t have a hand he still had some wrist motion that allowed him to strum the guitar. Not only did we get to see his instrumental talent, but Slade showed off his voice singing the song that inspired him to do music in the first place. 

It was an amazing experience to watch. Both Heller and Nemeroff are inspiring people who have proven that hard work, ambition and hope can lead to a successful and fulfilling life.