WE ARE ONE

For the duration of the Deaf Festival last November, the Deaf and Hearing celebrated as one community. We listened to informative and inspiring speakers, watched Deaf films, played games, and had fun. As the Deaf and Hearing continue to learn from each other, we see our path ahead with a little more clarity and smiles on our faces.

We have reason to be hopeful because whatever challenges awaits us, the Deaf and Hearing in the College of Saint Benilde, we know we will face them together ... as one.

On The Spot:

Bronson L. Escalderon
DLS-CSB SDEAS alumnus,
Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies
(Multimedia Arts track)
Class 2007


Don't be afraid to try. Bronson Escalderon learned this when looking for his first job after graduating in 2007. Pushing aside his doubts, he knocked on the door of Pixel Project Advertising and Design in Makati and applied as a graphic designer. Nobody referred him to this company; he just saw it then went ahead and tried.

Pixel Project Advertising and Design have never hired any Deaf employees before. Bronson was in fact the first Deaf person to apply for a job with them. The bosses had to take some time to evaluate Bronson's application, for not only is he Deaf, he is also a fresh graduate, inexperienced. It would also be a gamble for them.

Bronson's try paid off. He was hired. The management of Pixel Project Advertising and Design decided to put aside their doubts and give Bronson a try. He is their first ever Deaf graphic designer, and first Deaf employee. The boss made it clear to Bronson that they have high expectations of him.

Bronson admits he also has fears about his new job. He says, " I'm sometimes afraid of my boss but I try to challenge myself because I am Deaf."

In one instance, Bronson's boss got mad at him because he did not know how to use Coreldraw software. Instead of moping and feeling bad, he humbly apologized to his boss for his lack of knowledge and skills and quickly studied Coreldraw. Now, Bronson's boss is happy that he has this quiet determination to learn new things to enhance his performance on the job.
Bronson also finds inspiration from his colleagues at work who eagerly communicate with him through the simple sign language he teaches them.

What Bronson did took courage, to just apply in a company despite his doubts. This courage came from his training at SDEAS and he knows it. " I want to thank SDEAS for helping me develop self-esteem, gain enough confidence in improving myself and have the courage to meet whatever challenge comes my way. I am proud of my school. "

Bronson hopes other SDEAS graduates will do what he has done, and maybe more.

Fast Facts

As of 2nd Term of School Year 2007-2008, SDEAS has 114 students. Out of the 114 students, only 3 students pay full tuition. Data from the Student Grants Office show that the remaining 111 are scholars.

Here is the breakdown:

73 students are full scholars (100%)
38 students have partial scholarships;
6 students are 95% scholars
19 students are 90% scholars
3 students are 85% scholars
2 students are 80% scholars
1 student is 75% scholar
3 students are 70% scholars
2 students are 50% scholars
1 student is 40% scholar
1 student is 30% scholar.