AT 27 years old, Ruth Melli Sayo has achieved a milestone beyond personal success—she has become a symbol of hope and representation for the Filipino deaf community.
Born and raised in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, Sayo recently passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), making history as the first Deaf graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) College of Education.
“I became inspired to be a teacher because I want to make a positive and inspiring impact on children’s lives,” Sayo shared. She credited her former teachers for nurturing her confidence and belief in her ability to excel as an educator. “Deaf children often face challenges and need someone who understands their experiences,” she added.
Overcoming barriers
Sayo’s journey to success was filled with challenges. Growing up deaf, she experienced discrimination and bullying, leaving her feeling isolated.
“As a deaf person, I initially felt defeated,” she recounted in an exclusive interview with SunStar Davao. However, connecting with other Deaf individuals helped her regain confidence and embrace her identity. “I realized I’m not alone and proud to be deaf.”
University life presented additional hurdles, especially during the transition to online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Without access to sign language interpreters for virtual classes, Sayo struggled to keep up. One of her biggest challenges was her Filipino subject, where her request to use English for better comprehension was denied.
“I’m thankful for the BSNED (Bachelor of Special Needs Education) program,” Sayo said, highlighting the accommodations that eventually helped her thrive. When in-person classes resumed, she found support from her hearing classmates, who often interpreted lessons for her. “Their support boosted my confidence and made learning enjoyable,” she shared.
Milestone
Sayo’s accomplishment is more than a personal milestone—it’s a groundbreaking moment for the Filipino Deaf community. She made history as the first Deaf graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) College of Education, earning a BSNEd.
“Passing the LET means a great deal to me personally, as it represents the realization of my dreams and hard work,” she said. “For the deaf community, it signifies a powerful achievement and a step toward greater representation in education. It shows that Deaf individuals, like me, can become educators and make a positive impact. Success breaks down barriers and challenges stereotypes, offering hope and inspiration to other Deaf individuals, encouraging them to pursue their own goals and contribute to society.” she added.
As the first Deaf graduate of her program, Sayo is already making an impact. She actively encourages fellow deaf students to explore opportunities at USeP by sharing her journey and highlighting the support available to them. She hopes to inspire others to overcome stereotypes and reach their goals through her story.
Looking ahead
Sayo’s vision as an educator is clear: to empower Deaf children and foster inclusivity. “I want to teach young deaf individuals that it’s never too late to have a bright future. By promoting Deaf awareness, we can challenge discrimination and remove the barriers many deaf individuals face,” she said.
Her story underscores the critical need for more Deaf educators in the field.
“Deaf educators empower young Deaf individuals, teaching them confidence and showing them they can achieve just like hearing people,” she emphasized. Sayo hopes to see a greater representation of Deaf professionals who advocate for awareness and inclusivity in education.
As Ruth Melli Sayo, LPT, begins her teaching journey, she is a testament to the power of resilience and support. For the Deaf community, her success serves as a beacon of hope, proving that no obstacle is too great to overcome. KBP