August 5, 2014, during the 4th Day of Novena Masses, St. Benilde Romancon, Ms. Leah Osido shares about her life experiences, relationship with God and family, and commitment to serve the Deaf community. She is an alumna of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS batch 2001) and the current Media Development Specialist of SDEAS' Center for Partnership and Development. Ms. Joyce Dalawampu was her voice interpreter in the video above and the transcript of the sharing below was edited by Ms. Bea Francisco.
Good afternoon everyone, I am Leah Osido a graduate of
Benilde and now work in SDEAS’s CPD. I was tasked to share my reflection
on the appreciation of the individual worth.
Let me share a little about my family. I am an only child and
was very close to both my parents growing up. In 2009, my mother lost her job
after the typhoon Ondoy destroyed the factory she was working in. In November, I
was able to get a new job. Unfortunately, by December of the same year, my
father who was a former OFW had a fatal stroke and passed away. It was a very
difficult time in my life and I was afraid; I didn’t know what to do. I learned
a lot from that experience. I learned how to save money, to budget and make do
with what I have. I also learned to become independent and do things on my own.
People used to ask me why I was always frowning or sad and I
realized I wasn’t aware that I was showing a negative disposition. I don’t see
myself being negative but other people always tell me that I was. So after some
reflection, I decided to change my perception of life and be more positive. I
had a lot of problems and I asked God for help to overcome them. I tried to
search for ways to become more positive. I changed my lifestyle and routine and
tried to appreciate the beauty of simple things, such as the environment and
people around me.
I have received a lot of positive blessings in my life, my
mother, my friends, and the Deaf Community. I always show my appreciation of
life by being cheerful and smiling at everyone. I believe God always gives me
the grace to smile despite everything.
As a leader I wanted to be a good role model to other people and at the
same time respect each person’s uniqueness. I wanted to help other people who
are having problems and have negative perspective in life. I listen to their
problems and try to give them positive advice. I always ask God to help me
continue living and not go back to my difficult life before. I encourage other
people who had the same experience to be happy and try to change their life for
the better.
I wish to be of more value to my community by sharing my
experience and professional ability and serving other people. The challenge for
me is to continue being strong in life. I believe and I am confident that I am
helping my community by serving other Deaf people, volunteering, especially helping
out in the provinces. I believe the real challenge for us is to change our
perspective, understand and accept the uniqueness of other people; not quickly
judging them, because each one has his/her own family background, set of values
and culture. That’s why it’s also important to have a positive perspective of
one’s self, one’s identity and a firm hold on one’s values and principles.
Remembering that each person is unique and God- given.
Thank you very much for listening.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
