Feature Friday: Mikaella Besson

Welcome back to Feature Friday, where we introduce you to someone within or related to our organizations by asking them a few questions and presenting their answers to you.

Today we feature Mikaella Besson. Mikaella is a 24 year-old Program Assistant working at Our Space Our Place, Inc. “Our Space Our Place (OSOP) is a non-profit organization, offering a respectful, accessible and fun environment for elementary, middle and high school students who are legally blind to participate in team sports, the arts, community service and mentoring.” Mikaella is legally blind.

How did you get started in Karate?

Karate was offered as a program at OSOP. I joined the students in the classes. Like the students, I am visually impaired and find that karate makes me feel powerful. It is a lot of fun. I feel powerful and more confident because the moves we are learning teach me about protecting myself.

What is your current rank?

Yellow belt.

What do you like most about practicing karate?

Learning the different moves. I like the challenge because it makes me feel proud when I get the move.

Do you think karate has helped you in your life in any way?

Yes. After our classes, I feel more relaxed. Karate helps with my balance and it is good exercise.

What advice would you give to people thinking of doing karate?

Karate maybe hard at first but once you keep going you will get better. You will enjoy challenging yourself. You will gain more confidence. Karate might be hard but just believe in yourself and you will see how far you go.

Thank you for your time, Mikaella!