30/04/2020
I have been struggling with nearsightedness since I was a child. My two brothers also have the same condition. Sadly, we have no financial capacity to consult with an ophthalmologist about our condition. As I grew older, I felt very different because of this condition. My movement is very limited due to my nearsightedness.
This condition hindered my learning process as a child. I can barely see what is written in the blackboard. I am not able to grasp the topic and feel discouraged to go to school. My mother encouraged me to still push through schooling although my learning development is quite slow.
I was lucky that I have loving family and friends who support me through this times. I fully regained my confidence with the utmost care of my mother. She never give up on me and encourage me to face this life once more.
But the challenges still persist! I experienced discrimination and people started to mock me to the point that I become so affected to the words they uttered about me. I felt depressed and hopeless that time. I cried every night and I don't want to go to school anymore. It created doubts in my heart and mind. I suddenly realized that this is not a hindrance for me to learn on how to read and write.
As a result, I become more diligent in my studies. I've learned to pay less attention to the people who mocked me. In the process, people started to appreciate me on who I really am. There are times when they ridicule me because of my condition. I learned to accept it and don't be bothered anymore on what other people think of me.
Poetry is a big part of my life. It helped me tell the things freely on what I feel on certain issues. I gained respect and honor from the people through writing poems. Poetry brings pure joy in my heart.
I was in Grade 2 when I become attuned to poetry. I memorized a poem and it created an impact on me. I was amazed by word rhyming of the poem. I decided to officially write poem when I was in Grade 5. The theme of the poem I write usually revolve around nature, friendship, discrimination and love.
I want to have an equal treatment for the person with disability. I want to educate others that they should not discriminate PWDs. We deserve respect and understanding just like any other human being.
I also want to address the problem of alcoholism and cigarette smoking among young people. I believe it can be done by informing youth about the negative effects of ci******es and alcohol to their physical and mental well-being. I will use my knowledge to help them to avoid such vices in every way possible.
Aside from poetry, I am also helping my parents in managing a small retail store. My other interests include playing guitar and composing song. I am grateful on the wonderful things God has given me. My family and the people who believe in me are what inspire me to conquer life with great ease and confidence!
Story Told By:
Makata #0015
Pen Name: SweetStar
27 years old
From Masbate, Philippines
