Twenty-three-year-old Bahzad Ballout graduated from Henry Ford Community College in the Winter of 2013 with a straight 4.0 GPA. Many impeccable students have and will assume this similar accomplishment, but unlike Ballout, they have the use of their eyes to help them along the way.

Ballout was born with Leber’s optic neuropathy, a rare genetic condition of vision loss. Ballout is unable to see anything except for light. Despite this challenge, Ballout is an incredible student who is thoroughly dedicated to learning, and remains extremely independent.

“With every disability comes limitations,” Ballout said. “A lot of those problems can be overcome. It just takes dedication.”

Technology has allowed Ballout to study and live rather independently. Computer screen-readers and other various devices let him research, complete assignments, and take tests. He can also easily read and respond to emails, play games on his iPhone, and write poetry.

“I work hard because I want to be able to please myself and my family,” he said. “Learning leads to elimination; knowledge is power.”

Ballout is majoring in Spanish and minoring in English, and is fluent in Arabic. He aspires to become a translator for government agencies or schools. He will be studying at the University of Michigan-Dearborn after finishing three post-graduate classes at HFCC.

Ballout’s first semester at HFCC was a little challenging – he had to search for materials and books he could use, but stuck to the method of “search and persevere”, and advises anyone facing challenges in life to do the same.

“Try to do your best despite any challenge. Your best is all that matters and no one can expect anything more,” Ballout advises. “Advocacy is very important. Voice your troubles to someone; don’t keep it inward.”

Ballout’s family came to America from Lebanon in April of 1994 to find a cure for his condition, but learned there isn’t one. Despite this disappointment, they took advantage of the accommodations America’s schools systems offer and have supported Ballout every step of his education.

A student with this sort of dedication to learning and enjoying life is rare, and Ballout is a complete inspiration. He is an incredibly intelligent human being and refuses to let his wonderful mind to go to waste because of the disadvantage life has dealt him.