Ramona Pierson (RP): I was invited to speak at the Leading a Digital School conference in Melbourne. I came out to talk to them about mass customisation and personalised learning. I've also had the opportunity to meet with people from the Federal Government and education.
RP: I entered into education unbeknown to myself, I didn't plan on it. I had been in the marine corp as a kid, used to run marathons and was struck by drunk driver in 1984. I lived in a hospital for about three years because of the intensity of the accident where I had the car bumper go through my throat, had brain trauma and had to have most of my face put back on and half my foot reconstructed - half my leg is now titanium. I was also blind for 10 years.
After putting me back together, I ended up living in a senior home, because nobody thought I would survive and I would end up dying. It was interesting because the senior citizens took me on as their granddaughter and helped to re-educate me so I could be independent. Once I ended up with a guide dog, I truly had my independence because she allowed me to go back to college. I ended up getting my doctrine in neuroscience selfishly thinking I would be able to help myself, but one thing led to another and 10 years later I was able to get vision back in my left eye.