The Story of My Life-Helen Keller-Chapter 17-Summary
The Story of My Life – Chapter 17
Helen at the Wright-Humason School
In the summer of 1894, Helen Keller attended a meeting of the
American Association at Chautauqua. The purpose of the association was to
encourage the teaching of speech to deaf people. It was decided that Helen
should study at the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City.
Therefore, she and her teacher, Miss Sullivan, went there in October 1894.
Helen joined the school to improve her speech and lip-reading
skills. During the two years she spent there, she also studied subjects such as
Arithmetic, Physical Geography, French, and German.
Miss Reamy was her German teacher. After learning some German
vocabulary, Helen began conversing with her teacher in German. Within a few
months, she could understand almost everything that Miss Reamy said. Before the
end of the year, she read Wilhelm Tell with great interest. Helen felt that she
made more progress in German than in any other subject.
However, her progress in speech and lip-reading was not as
successful as she and her teachers had hoped. Helen wished to speak like other
people, and her teachers believed that this goal could be achieved. Despite
their sincere efforts, they were unable to reach the expected level of success.
Helen later felt that their expectations had been too high, which made
disappointment inevitable.
Arithmetic continued to be a difficult subject for her. She
often found it confusing and discouraging. At times, it even caused her great
frustration. Nevertheless, she continued her studies with determination and
enthusiasm.
Helen especially enjoyed studying Physical Geography. She
loved learning about the wonders and mysteries of nature. She discovered how
winds are formed, how water vapour rises from the earth, how rivers carve their
paths through rocks, and how mountains are shaped and changed over time. She
was also fascinated by the ways in which human beings have learned to control
and use the powerful forces of nature.
Helen spent two happy years in New York and remembered them
with great pleasure. One of her favourite memories was the daily walks she took
with her companions in Central Park. During the spring, they went on excursions
to interesting places. They also enjoyed sailing on the Hudson River and
exploring its beautiful green banks.
The teachers at the Wright-Humason School worked hard to
provide their students with enjoyment and happiness. They frequently organized
activities and outings to make school life pleasant and rewarding.
However, before Helen left New York, her happiness was
overshadowed by a sad event. Her close friend and benefactor, John P.
Spaulding, passed away. Apart from the death of her father, this was one of the
greatest sorrows of her life. Helen was deeply attached to him and valued his
friendship greatly.
She remembered him as a kind, gentle, and caring person who
showed affection not only to her but also to Miss Sullivan. His death was a
great loss for both of them, and Helen cherished his memory for the rest of her
life.
