Overcome the physical barriers. You can do it!

February 18th, 2023

I finally had a chance to talk to students at Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities. It had been a long time since my last visit. My main intention for organizing this talk was to have a casual chat with the fellow students.

When I asked about their dreams, many of the students answered in the same way: “I want to be able to live independently, have a job, and be able to help my family.” This was word-for-word what Father Ray, the founder of the college, had said since its inception.

After more than thirty years, with the power of continuing work from Ray’s children, there has been a consistent change and progression. Now, the school has been promoted to “Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities.” These students now are graduating with degrees. This is very impressive, I must say.

The key message that I shared with the students is that in the outside world, no one is waiting for them in competitions. While society may have laws and standards that offer extra help for those with disabilities, no help is more sustainable than the one we give ourselves. When our bodies are not as good as others’, we must work hard and be good at what we do. Our bodies may be inferior in some ways, but that does not stop us from creating valuable things for the world.

In the near future, these students will become one of the driving forces for social change just like everyone else. I plan to reschedule my time to visit them more frequently, and I invite all of you to come with me. The school and the students still need immense help and support. Let’s pitch in together.

https://www.facebook.com/RVSD.Pattaya