CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera with our Alumnus and a TES scholar
"Against All Odds: Steven Valdepeñas's Journey from Student to Teacher"
"Steven had proven that having congenital glaucoma was not an obstacle to academic excellence."
In a heartwarming evening filled with stories of triumph, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman, Prospero "Popoy" E. De Vera III, alongside CHED XII Regional Director Nelia Alibin and esteemed higher education institution (HEI) presidents, gathered for a dinner that spotlighted exceptional individuals reshaping the educational landscape. Among them was Steven Valdepeñas, a remarkable figure whose journey is as inspiring as it is transformative.
“If I can navigate through the darkness and still chase my dreams, so can they.”
Valdepeñas’s transition from student to teacher is nothing short of extraordinary. His own experiences in the classroom have equipped him with the unique insight needed to support visually impaired students. He recalls the struggles he faced, from navigating hallways to adapting learning materials, and now channels that understanding into his teaching approach.
His presence at the CHED dinner served as a poignant reminder of the growing need for inclusive practices within the educational system. Valdepeñas’s story resonates with many and sparks conversations about how institutions can better accommodate and support visually impaired students. He advocates for innovative teaching strategies, improved accessibility, and policies that promote an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.
Despite the obstacles he has faced, Valdepeñas remains undeterred in his belief that vision transcends sight.
“I may have lost my eyesight, but my dreams and aspirations remain clearer than ever,”
BCSI extends its congratulations to all the participants and their coaches for their outstanding efforts and achievements. Your BCSI family is proud of you!
As he steps into his role as a teacher, Steven Valdepeñas stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. He embodies the idea that with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity, the educational landscape can be transformed for the better. His journey proves that when we believe in ourselves and support one another, there are no limits to what can be achieved. In the eyes of his students, Valdepeñas is not just a teacher—he is a guiding light, illuminating the path to a brighter future.