Matt Collins lives with albinism. As part of of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), read Matt's story of navigating school, university, life and establishing his career in the communications industry.
If my parents were ever concerned about my future as a child with albinism, they certainly hid it very well.
I knew I was different from a young age. The event that solidified this was in first grade when I cut my hair during class one day at school. The teacher instantly knew it was me, not because I’d done a bad job of chopping my hair, but because I happened to be the only person with white hair in the classroom, and it was now all over the floor.
While I was different, I was never allowed to let my disability define me. My father would always say, “It’s not about the disability, it’s about the ability.” I still think about that to this day.
Navigating education
Throughout school, I always felt I had something to prove, so as to not be defined as simply “the albino.” I was lucky to receive aids for study such as a laptop, my teachers were all fantastic and made sure all my reading material was blown up onto an A3 sheet of paper and I was extremely fortunate to be able to do all exams on a computer in a little room by myself. I did feel these differences made me stand out, but I gradually learned to not care about how I was perceived.
In university, I followed my gut and went with a course I was extremely passionate about and something some may say wasn’t future-proof, while also working at the local supermarket part-time. I got my Bachelor in Media Communications and landed myself into the Career Start Graduate program at Vision Australia in March 2018.
Caption: Matt has never let living with albinism stop him from living a full and independent life
Life after uni
My placement in this program did mean that I would have to find my own accommodation away from my family as they live down on the Mornington Peninsula, and to do that commute every day via public transport would mean four hours on public transport.
I rented a house out in Macleod with a friend of mine during 2018, but 2019 saw me moving right into the heart of Southbank into an apartment. I must admit that was very helpful in August when MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) rolled around. Due to all the venues being walking distance I wound up seeing 19 films over the three week period.
After my year as a grad ended I was fortunate enough to be offered a full time job as the External Communications and Media Coordinator at Vision Australia.
This period of change also marked the point where I met my partner. Earlier this year we took the plunge and become first-time home owners.
Making my own way
Throughout all of this my parents, family, friends and coworkers have supported me 100 per cent of the way. I’ll never forget for a second that I have albinism, but it certainly hasn’t become that single terrible identifying trait that I had so feared it might.
My story is actually pretty boring when you take albinism out of the equation, but I guess that’s the point I’m trying to make by telling it. When all is said and done my father was right after all, it’s the ability that matters.
You can find out more about Albinism online or contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 or email [email protected] to find out about available support services.