The student, who has corneal opacity, is majoring in Journalism at Sagrado.
By Liz Yanira del Valle
Contributor
Accompanied by a cane and her assistant Beverly Acevedo, Yeizary Vega Pérez attends the face-to-face courses of her bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the Ferré Rangel School of Communication (ECFR) of Sagrado Corazón University.
This Dolphin, who has corneal opacity and a fierce spirit, broke down all preconceptions at the José Collazo Colón public school. There, she attended regular courses “to show that integration was possible, and also that I would overcome.” And she didn’t fail. She graduated and was subsequently admitted to Sagrado.
“I went to an interview on Tele Sagrado, now Sagrado TV, as a spokesperson for the Fundación Banco de Ojos del Leonismo in 2014. From that day on, I wanted to study here (Sagrado),” she said.
Yeizary Vega Pérez, a freshman from Juncos
“I went to an interview on Tele Sagrado, now Sagrado TV, as a spokesperson for the Fundación Banco de Ojos del Leonismo in 2014. From that day on, I wanted to study here (Sagrado),” she said.
Yeizary also explained the dynamics with Beverly on campus and in class.
“She (Beverly) helps me with mobility and in classes as a notetaker. With the cane, I move around independently, but the space is new to me. I’m getting to know it little by little with the support of Beverly. Likewise, I use a magnifier for reading and Siri on my cell phone,” she told inSagrado.
“I’m a voracious reader,” she added excitedly.
This young woman can discuss local news in great detail. She is interested in the history of Puerto Rico and the world, and is passionate about political issues, as well as social causes.
“My great love is my homeland, then reading and social struggles,” explained the interviewee who seeks to work as a journalist and, in the not-too-distant future, to study Law.
“Blind people have dreams, too,” she emphasized.
According to Yeizary, who is 18 years old, the overall system should improve for the entire population with functional diversity.
“There are struggles, there’s still a lot to do. I have the support of my family, and now, the support of Sagrado. But each case is different. I lost my vision as a baby, at six months old,” she said.
“There’s lots of inequality and problems to solve in our society. I hope to contribute something as a student, and later, as a professional. I want to be an agent of change,” she continued.
Without a doubt, Yeizary herself is an agent of change. Her joy, good conversation, and confidence can inspire and motivate the most discouraged person. She, her inseparable
“Señor Bastón” (“Mr. Cane”), and Beverly will serve as a guide both in and out of Sagrado. Are you a student with functional diversity? Write for guidance to maria.miranda@sagrado.edu