As a child, Rosalinda Manata lost her sight following a retinoblastoma, which did not prevent her from seeing very far… At 21, she lived “the American dream” in a prestigious university, encouraging disabled students to discover the world.
A retinal blastoma deprived Rosalinda Manata of sight. Seeing is the only thing she is unable to do. At 21, this talented young woman can sing, play the piano and the Ukulele and master four languages (French, English, Spanish and Lingala, her mother tongue). After being born in Angola and then settling in France to try to treat her retinal tumor, she decided to conquer the United States. After two studies in Minnesota and Illinois, she is now joining the prestigious Seton Hall University in New Jersey to pursue a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy. Take a look at this inspiring school journey!
The music, its anchor »
Rosalinda attends a school for visually impaired children up to sixth grade, in France, while studying music at the conservatory, where she learns each piece mainly by ear. ” I started playing when I lost my sight completely, it became my anchor in the world “, she explains. Visually impaired from an early age, the young girl is not afraid of anything. In high school, she decided to participate in an international exchange program: PIE high school, which, intended for young people aged 13 to 18, allows them to study in an American high school, to be housed in a family welcome and thus immerse themselves in English-speaking culture.
Study abroad for more autonomy
Strengthened by this formidable experience, Rosalinda decides to return to the Midwest region to pursue higher education, after obtaining her baccalaureate in France. She then participated in a second program and joined Illinois college to follow a ” major in international relations “. A four-year course complete, qualifying and adapted “, who was able to compensate for his handicap, allowing him to be ” easily a place “. At the same time, the music lover pursues her passion for music, giving voice, across the Atlantic, in several choirs. ” Blind, I would never have imagined being able to have such a course. Studying in the United States made me not only stronger but above all completely independent. », rejoices Rosalinda, encouraging students with disabilities to « cross borders ».
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