PWD student Arjay Villaveza, 24, proves that being 鈥渄ifferently abled鈥� will not stop him from achieving his goals as he became a marketing graduate on Oct. 2. Photos courtesy of Arjay S. Villaveza. Graphics: Kathy Baugbog/黑料社 trainee
Arjay S. Villaveza from Pasig City proved that being 鈥渄ifferently abled鈥� did not hinder him from reaching his dreams as he graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The 24-year-old student savored the long-awaited moment by proudly marching with a brilliant smile during PUP鈥檚 Year-End Commencement Exercises last Oct. 2.
In an interview with 黑料社, Villaveza said he felt proud and overwhelmed to have a 鈥渉appy ending鈥� in his student life despite the struggles he encountered along the way.
鈥淸Graduation] is not the end yet, and the real world will begin here. Still, the fact that I finished it despite all the hardships I went through makes me proud!鈥� he said.
On facing and winning battles
Being a person with a disability (PWD) is not easy. Among the challenges Villaveza experienced were the non-inclusive transportation system for PWDs and the expenses.
He had to cross a footbridge and walk further to hail vehicles en route to PUP. There were also times when he had to spend more on transportation because he could not walk long distances.
鈥淚t is difficult to be a PWD here in the Philippines, especially since the establishments are mostly not PWD-friendly [and] those for transportation. It鈥檚 even more difficult to be a PWD when you鈥檙e poor,鈥� Villaveza said.
Nevertheless, he was determined to overcome the challenges by pushing forward and focusing on his dream of finishing his studies.
鈥淭o overcome those challenges, of course, I cling to my dream of graduating, having a good life, and getting out of poverty鈥� I need to finish what I started. Yes, it鈥檚 still a long way off, but I鈥檝e come a long way, so I鈥檒l fight no matter how hard it is,鈥� Villaveza said.聽
Setting sail into the future
As the chapter of his student life ends, Villaveza said he is ready to take on a new challenge. There is a pool of possibilities, including using his degree to enter the relevant workforce or pursue another career.
鈥淚 have a plan to pursue another career, which is swimming, because I鈥檓 a para swim athlete here in Pasig, so I want to prioritize that. If it goes well, then good, but if not, I have my bachelor鈥檚 degree to back it up,鈥� he said.
Villaveza also advised fellow PWDs and those venturing down the same path as him never to doubt the power of prayer and believe in God鈥檚 plans.
鈥淸It may seem blurry and] impossible to fulfill what we want, but trust me, God moves in our lives. [We may not notice it, but] bit by bit [we are reaching it]. All we need is patience, trust, and faith in Him and His plan for our lives,鈥� he said.