IN MOMENTS of feeling misunderstood, belittled, unsupported, and disconnected from the world, a powerful question confronts us: What if the world turns its back on us? Living in a world where sight often serves as a gateway to pursuing dreams, imagine a person who remains strong despite being visually impaired as she fearlessly chases her dreams and continues her visions in life.
Monique Q. Grenaderos, 25, was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma when she was 16. Still, she has become a beacon of inspiration, defying limitations and embracing a journey where determination and inner vision triumph above all challenges.
As a student of Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), Monique was selected for the prestigious Fulbright Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) as one of their scholars.
Venturing on this journey, she aspires to become a bridge that grants equal opportunities to people with disabilities, empowering and uplifting people like herself and fostering a path of inclusivity and growth.
Before this momentous event, she experienced numerous rejections and doubts that tempted her to abandon her dreams. Negative phrases and comments from others echoed around her, making her question her abilities.
"I grew up constantly hearing negativity, phrases like; I can't do it. Whenever I shared my dreams, someone would always say, "You keep dreaming, but you'll never achieve it."; "You can't see, you're blind, so you can't succeed," she shared.
Despite facing setbacks while applying to the program, she was shortlisted, making it to the top 20 out of 519 applicants. But she didn't let complacency set in; instead, she eagerly prayed that she would be officially included in the roster of scholars.
"One of my professors told me to just forget about my application and continue living my student life at Holy Cross. Don't dwell on it too much. I felt relieved, but I can't help but worry and feel anxious," Monique said.
Getting the requirements for the program, especially physically visiting the hospital for medical assessments, proved to be genuinely daunting as a blind individual.
Deep in contemplation, she wondered if this moment was truly meant for her and if it would unfold as she had envisioned.
"Lord, if this is not part of Your plan for me, please take it away. I am willing to wait and trust that your will shall prevail.' I didn't pray to the Lord asking for help, for I know that no matter what, the Lord will provide what is meant for me," she said with faith and determination.
Through seeking out assistance from others and trusting in the grace of God, she found people who became instruments in enabling her to continue her journey.
Finally, on May 30, 2023, her dream of traveling to the United States became a reality when she received an acceptance letter from the director of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF). Out of 519 applicants in the Philippines, she was chosen as one of the nine Global UGRAD finalists.
For Monique, this opportunity is not just about herself; it paves the way for visually impaired children in Mindanao. She seeks to inspire these children to follow their aspirations, firmly believing that everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their abilities. (AJA)