It is no secret that our society has become more prone to virtual, surface-level interaction instead of forming deep, meaningful relationships – especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is getting harder to meet new people naturally, especially for teens or young adults who may feel trapped within their school or work bubble.

If you are hoping to expand your social circle, try to start small – doing one thing outside of your comfort zone to form a connect instead of overwhelming yourself with pressure. If you struggle with social anxiety, it can be helpful to prepare conversation starters ahead of time, practice small interactions with neighbors or acquaintances, or bring someone with you to events you are already comfortable with.

The most important thing to remember is not to give up after one bad experience. The key is to keep showing up! Remember that not every relationship becomes a deep friendship, and it’s better to focus on quality over quantity!

While it might seem like everyone around you has found their people and has it all figured out, people tend to show their best selves when interacting with others instead of their struggles and flaws. In reality, everyone experiences loneliness and is struggling to adapt to this societal shift. It is completely normal to feel isolated or lost sometimes – you are not alone!

The nice thing about meeting new people is that it can happen anywhere! See advise from two BSBP students below:

Kate’s advice for meeting new people:

Kate, a self-described “social butterfly who loves meeting new people and asking about their stories,” shared that it can be challenging to learn social norms – especially for people with visual impairments – because social norms themselves are visual. For her, what’s most important is finding what works for you. Kate recommends:

• Attending clubs, volunteering or participating in community events that genuinely interest you. Not only do you have fun, but you also meet others with the same special interests (for Kate, this includes classic literature, theatre and reading).
• Talking specifically to elders since many of them experience loneliness too. Kate was able to build relationships with a few older members of her church, and those conversations have been meaningful to her.

Riley’s advice for meeting new people:

Riley’s most notable advice came from personal life experience dealing with social norms: “During my time in school, I was ridiculed for having to learn differently or not living up to social standards. But I have learned to except that comes with the territory of who I am as a person. I have met many people who have went through the same things I have and I came to find out I am not the only one who has felt isolated because I think, act, or learn differently than others.” Riley recommends:

• Going to social events like game nights, parties or school activities (but take your time, the right people will find you eventually).
• Meet people who are connected to someone you already trust.
• As an adult, socialize through workplace events or community groups that match your interests (apply for a part-time job or work-based learning experience).

Both students remind us that meaningful connections come from being yourself and finding environments where you feel comfortable. Thank you to both Riley and Kate, you both are amazing!

Note: Attending a program or event geared towards students with visual impairments is another great way to meet people who have experienced many of the same things as you! Explore upcoming opportunities for ways to participate.

"When we talk about resources I might need, he is on it. I requested a VRT, and VRT called me not long after,” shared the customer who nominated Evin.  

Evin Papuga has been with BSBP for almost three years and works as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor covering adult and transition aged students in Shiawassee, Livingston, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Monroe counties. In his role, he gets to work with customers seeking competitive and integrated employment at all different stages. Some are in high school and are exploring what they want to do, and others are well into their career!

“Engage every pre-ETS service you can,” advises Evin. “Sometimes, it is hard to know what you may want to do after high school, and that’s okay. You do not know what you do not know; take advantage of the opportunities provided by BSBP to explore different professions, fields and industries.”

We’re proud to celebrate his hard work and the positive impact he continues to make. Congrats Evin and keep up the good work!

The BSBP Pre-ETS team is excited to invite you to join us for a fall tour of Eastern Michigan University (EMU)! This program will provide students and families with the opportunity to explore a local mid-size college campus, learn about valuable college resources and engage with current students and staff of specific academic programs.

You must be a BSBP customer to participate in this program. 

Program Date: Nov. 5, 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: 900 Oakwood St Ypsilanti, Mi 48197

Transportation is not provided as part of this program. If you require transportation support, please contact your BSBP Counselor.

Register here by Oct. 23.

Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov or 734-209-5855.

Central Region Paid Work Experience Opportunity: Work Ready @ re:Con

This program will provide students with exposure to workplace readiness skill development and paid work experience at the re:Con Conference held in Traverse City. Students will participate in virtual sessions focused on communication, self-advocacy, time management, teamwork and more.

You must be a BSBP customer to participate in this program. 

Program Date: Oct. 24 - Nov. 18

Program Agenda

• Week 1: Kick Off & Welcome Session
  • In Person at the BSBP Lansing Office (702 N. Kalamazoo St Lansing, MI)
• Week 2: Virtual Session – Week of October 26
• Week 3: Virtual Session – Week of November 2
• Week 4: Virtual Session – Week of November 9
• Week 5: Work Based Learning Experience – Week of November 16
  • In Person at the Grand Traverse Resort (100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Box 404 Acme, MI 49610-0404)

Transportation is not provided as part of this program. If you require transportation support, please contact your BSBP Counselor.

Register by Sept. 30 here.

Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov or 734-209-5855.

Save the Date: Financial Literacy Bootcamp

Join the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons for a virtual and in-person program that offers financial literacy workshops and a work-based learning experience at the 2027 Michigan Transition Services Association Conference!

You must be a BSBP customer (aged 14-26) to participate in this program. 

Program Date: Feb. 15 - March 17, 2027

Location: Virtual and in-person in Lansing 

Transportation is not provided as part of this program. If you require transportation support, please contact your BSBP Counselor.

Stay tuned for a registration link!

Come ready to play, cheer each other on, and create lasting memories at this adaptive sports camp designed for campers ages 10-17 who are blind or low vision (BLV)!

Paralympic athletes will join Camp T staff and members of the Michigan Blind Athletic Association to guide campers through exciting team challenges, skill-building activities, and friendly competition. Participants will explore a variety of games and adaptive sports, including goalball, a Paralympic team sport created specifically for athletes who are BLV.

The weekend will conclude with an exciting goalball tournament taking place on Sunday morning! You won’t want to miss this action-packed weekend, where every moment is designed to build confidence, connection and pure enjoyment.

Program Date: Sept. 18-20

Location: Camp Tuhsmeheta (10500 Lincoln Lake Ave. NE, Greenville, MI 48838)

Cost: $5 per camper

To learn more about this program opportunity, please visit the 2026 Goalball and Adaptive Sports Camp webpage. 

MDE-RBLV East Michigan Cane Quest

At this event, students will be challenged to demonstrate fundamental orientation and mobility (O&M) skills and travel techniques for navigating the sighted world they live in.

Cane Quest® is a challenging O&M contest for students, created and organized by Braille Institute of America. Regional Cane Quest® events are held across the country, and contestants are divided into three grade categories: Scouts, Explorers, and Trailblazers. This regional event is offered in collaboration with Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Participants will:

• Get direct feedback on their O&M skills
• Interact with other students and mentors who are cane users
• Gain information about O&M skills and training

This event is for students in grades 3-12 who are blind/low vision and are able to walk independently for an hour at a time and white cane users who are currently receiving or have received O&M instruction.

Program Date: Oct. 10, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Leader Dogs for the Blind (1039 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307)

Register here by Sept. 23.  

If you are interested in student affairs, a student with blindness/low vision or a parent of someone who is, the Michigan Association of Blind Students provides opportunities for growth! The organization allows participants to:

• Network with other blind students in Michigan and across the country
• Learn Advocacy Skills
• Add leadership skills to your resume
• Be mentored by other students who are blind/low vision

Membership is $5 per year. Support from BSBP can be provided to cover this fee, if needed.

To learn more about what they do and to join any of their zoom meetings as a guest to see if MIABS is a good fit for you contact:

• President Jeffery Crouch at miabs-president@outlook.com
• Membership Co-Ordinator Danielle Agajan at miabs-membership@outlook.com or 269-454-9095

Learn more about the Michigan Association of Blind Students here.  

Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊! 

We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.