Julie McGinnity is 17 and will enter her senior year of high school this fall. She was born with limited vision caused by glaucoma, and came here from Missouri for Brie, her first guide dog. Julie was strongly advised by her Orientation and Mobility instructor to apply to Guiding Eyes as “the best school” and well worth the long trip to New York. Julie is a trained vocalist and plans to attend college as a music major, in preparation for a career in either opera or musical theater. At her Guiding Eyes graduation, she thrilled the audience with her own, heartfelt rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Julie has a busy social life with friends and rides a tandem bike. She also enjoys reading and practicing her musical skills. Although she admits to being a late-morning riser (when not in class), Julie is a happy, ambitious girl who loves to be “on the go.” Julie recognizes that owning a Guiding Eyes dog is a big responsibility, but that Brie will grant her independence and access to the wider world. Julie radiates her pleasure at being at Guiding Eyes. “I really like it here it’s fun. The learning mode here is interesting, positive and effective.”