Newport News, Virginia is the home of 19-year-old Briley, who will take home TJ, her first Guiding Eyes for the Blind dog. Briley
was strongly influenced by a former grad, Phyllis Campbell, who had her GEB dog
for eleven years. Briley was born with Lebers congenital amorosis, a
degenerative condition of the eyes. She is self described as (although seemingly
shy), fun loving, loud, crazy, creative and friendly. She particularly enjoys
being with people who are culturally aware, intelligent and can tell her things
of which she has no knowledge. She is infinitely happy with just "being
herself" and harbors a sincere wish to be famous some day. That wish may
very well come true. Briley, majoring in Vocal Performance, is in her second
year at James Madison University. She would like some day, to eventually leave
Virginia and attend The New England Conservatory of Music to study Jazz. She
also loves to write stories and poetry, reads a lot, swims for exercise, and
vegges out listening to folk music and hanging out with her friends. Briley is
thankful for the encouragement and support of her mom and dad, who have given
her the gift of having confidence in herself. Briley says that TJ is very
relaxed, likes to sleep, (he can do it anywhere), and loves to be hugged, but
when he's working, he knows he's on the job. "I respect his ability for
finding his way and especially working in pedestrian and vehicular traffic. I
know he will give me a lot more independence on the streets as well as expand my
social life when I return home. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is wonderful. I love
it: it's so great meeting and talking with others who are blind and listening to
how they cope. I'm so happy that I came in the summer and have met so many cool
people. The trainers and instructors are awesome! Thank you!
