Anne Sullivan
We all have those people in our lives who we admire. That one person who captivates your attention and shows you new things. Anne Sullivan was that and more to Helen Keller. She was a teacher, guide, patient councilor, and most importantly "friend".
Education
Anne had a rough start. At the age of five, Anne contracted a serious eye disease, which left her with failing sight and inability to distinguish most colors. After her mother died from tuberculosis, her father became abusive and eventually abandoned the family. Anne and her brother went to live at Tewksbury Almshouse, which was filthy, run down, and over crowded. Seeking a chance to escape poverty, Anne saw opportunity when a special commission visited the home. She attended Perkin's School for the Blind in 1880. She was elected valedictorian, and gave a very inspirational and encouraging speech to the school, saying "Let us go cheerfully, hopefully, and earnestly, to find our especial part.".
Meeting Helen
Soon, she needed a job. Michael Anagnos helped her find one. The Keller family had written to him, beseeching him to send a governess for their daughter, who was blind, deaf, and unable to communicate. Anagnos had a person in mind for this task; Anne Sullivan. Anne accepted the job nervously, and traveled to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where she met Helen at age 6 and work began.
The Water pump Lesson
First and foremost, Anne had to have a way of communicating with Helen. How can you teach someone something if you can not communicate with them? Anne had tried spelling letters into Helen's hand, but to no avail. Then one pivotal lesson at a water pump changed it all.
Anne simply used used sign-language to spell W-A-T-E-R into Helen's hand while water was flowing over both of their hands. For the first time, Helen understood. Her face lit up. The mystery of language had been revealed to her, and she embraced it. That day, she learned at least 30 new words in this same way. Now learning could truly begin!
Anne simply used used sign-language to spell W-A-T-E-R into Helen's hand while water was flowing over both of their hands. For the first time, Helen understood. Her face lit up. The mystery of language had been revealed to her, and she embraced it. That day, she learned at least 30 new words in this same way. Now learning could truly begin!
Phillip Brooks
When Helen was young, she was introduced to Phillip Brooks. Brooks introduced her to Christianity. When she heard all his fantastical tales of God, she said "I knew he was there, I just didn't know his name!"