Even the loss of his vision five years ago has not deterred Robert David Black from pursuing his goals. Having already become the first in his family to go to college, he firmly took the initiative to rehabilitate himself and return to higher education. David earned a master’s degree in counseling at CSU Los Angeles in 2008 and is currently a student in the university’s doctoral program in educational leadership.

Throughout David’s graduate studies, he has maintained a 4.00 GPA. He volunteers at the Office for Students with Disabilities, has advised students at the Career Development Center and has counseled troubled youths about education, careers, and life skills. David was student vice president for the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and recruitment officer for the Rehabilitation Counseling Association. He currently serves on the university’s Accessible Technology Initiative Steering Committee.

After completing his doctorate, David plans to help students with disabilities and other special needs gain access to and advance in higher education.