People / Spotlight on achievers

Matt Cox, 24, will leave for Morocco later this month on a Peace Corps mission to work with blind children and young adults.

Cox, a resident of Garden Grove, said he feels particularly suited for the three-year assignment because he has been blind since birth.

“In Morocco it’s considered shameful to be blind. The blind are often hidden away or ostracized,” Cox said. “My major task will be to help blind students improve their mobility. I want to show them how they can move about more freely and become more active in their community.”

Morocco, on North Africa’s Atlantic Coast, has a population of about 26 million. Cox said he isn’t worried about being able to adapt to a different culture.

“Both able-bodied and disabled people often use ‘I can’t’ as an excuse,” he said. “I just won’t tolerate that. I may never be able to climb Mt. Everest, but there are lots and lots of other challenges that I can push myself to accomplish.”

In fact, after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., Cox worked as a color commentator last year for the Anaheim Bullfrogs roller-hockey team. He hopes eventually to have a career in radio broadcasting.

Cox took French classes at Orange Coast College in preparation for his trip to Morocco, a former French colony.

Bob Zhe, director of OCC’s Disabled Students Center, said that Cox is well suited for the task ahead of him.

“Matt is a unique and incredible human being,” Zhe said. “He has a great attitude about life, a tremendous sense of curiosity and an adventurous spirit. He thrives on challenges.”