Because of all the hard work she has done, sophomore Su Park will advance to the National Braille Competition this summer.

“I’m still in a bit of disbelieving position,” Park said.

Since 2010, Park has participated in the braille competition, and this year is her second time at nationals.She placed second last time, in the seventh, eighth and ninth grade group, but

this time she will be entering the competition in the top group, sophomores, juniors and seniors, and her confidence is a little shaken.

“I did place top three before,” Park said. “But I don’t know how I got that done actually.”

At the braille competition, there are series of tests, from reading comprehension to speed and accuracy, where contestants listen to a recording and attempt to type it out as fast and accurately as possible.

“You get hand cramps, because you’re typing on a typewriter as fast as humanly possible in a 25-minute period,” Park said.

Besides all the difficulties, Park said that in the end, the competition is actually worth it.

“It’s fun cause you meet other blind kids and get to know who’s around the area,” Park said.