Blind student earns degree degree- Br Brenda Upright Assistant News Editor among other G GRADUATING students Friday June 11 w was s Ward McGinn a student student student stu stu- stu- stu dent who received his associates associates as- as V- V Vt t of applied plied science degree degree degree de de- de- de gree in automotive technology McGinn was the only recipient of the degree at this years year's com commencement enc m nt but bUL what makes the accomplishment accomplish accomplish- ment incredible is the fact that McGinn is blind He received a special program of the ceremony y in Braille I lost my sight from a tumor when I was five he said He attributes his success of dealing with the trauma to his family My liMy folks brought me up to believe in myself and to not listen to others McGinn said McGinn started school at f in the fall of 1991 He said Its a good school and I learned a lot he said Before choosing McGinn McGinn McGinn Mc Mc- Ginn had applied to other schools I tried other schools and they wouldn't have anything to todo todo todo do with me he said McGinn said he decided to pursue a degree in automotive technology technology- because of his enjoyment enjoyment enjoyment en en- from fixing cars My dad got me interested in cars I used to do it as a hobby and I liked it so much I decided x r hK I 1 u Ward McGinn 1 to o do it for or a living Jiving he said I figured if I went to school scho l Id I'd have a be better er chance of getting a job McGinn plans on doing automotive ups tune tune in the near fu future ture Id like to get a job at at a car dealership and make big bucks he said Professor of Auto Collision and Repair Neal Grover said of McGinn's achievement He is unreal This This' is a a case of perseverance perseverance perseverance per per- severance and guts to not give up McGinn received special equipment with Braille or a voice box to repair repair cars He said Most teachers were willing to give a me a hand McGinn McGinn McGinn Mc Mc- Ginn finished his degree in just 11 quarters taking up to 20 credit hours at a time His advice to other students is II dont don't let anyone bring you down and d dont don't nt ever give up