Michael’s rare genetic disorder, something that does not present on either side of his family, also impacted his younger brother, Mitchell, 18, a student at Kutztown University. They also have a younger sister, a high school junior, who is not blind.
In large part because of her sons, Kristin, who was a third-grade teacher, eventually left teaching and started a nonprofit organization (Thriving Blind Academy) to help families with blind children. While the organization helps others, she admits she regularly drew energy and inspiration from Michael.
Smedley started his college career at Belmont University with a music business major in mind, but in a search for more opportunity and support, he transferred from that 72-acre campus to Penn State University Park, with its 7,958 acres and 160 majors. Penn State also had more resources, including easier access to braille texts and a larger Office of Disability Services. Despite the fact that he got an A in 200-level statistics course at Belmont without having a textbook, the bigger community and support were a welcome boost at Penn State.
Smedley, one of just five blind students on campus during the 2021-22 academic year, also served as a teaching assistant for a communications law course. He left the faculty member, who had selected him for the role because she knew he was a good student, impressed.
“He’s so incredibly smart. Most TAs do a brief presentation in front of the class, some narrow focus on a topic,” says Cindy Simmons, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Journalism. “He said he wanted to do something on intellectual property. I was not expecting him to teach the whole class.
“He came up with an hour and 15 minutes of slides based on his knowledge and research as well as up-to-date nuances for the presentation. It was engaging, just terrific.”
Smedley’s plans after graduation were focused on music, with a role as a sound engineer for a touring band atop his list. He had to put that on hold a few weeks ago when he accepted a post-graduate internship.
He starts his duties as an audio system design professional intern with Disney in Orlando next month. He’ll be part of the team that addresses how every aspect of the company’s theme parks, cruise ships and attractions sound. He said the company’s commitment to an immersive experience, activating all five senses when people visit, offers an exciting challenge.
Likewise, interviewers from Disney were impressed with Michael’s ever-positive mindset, which has been the differentiator and driving force during his journey before and during Penn State — and likely for years to come.