Working student graduates magna cum laude

Despite eye problem

Poverty and a potentially debilitating eye problem did not hinder this 22-year-old working student from completing a university degree in Psychology and graduating magna cum laude.

For Neil Jed Castro receiving his diploma from the University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJ-R) was a powerful symbol of his struggles.
“I felt so happy because after all the hardships, I made it,” said Castro.

HARDSHIPS
Diagnosed with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome last February and  if untreated, Castro may lose  his eyesight. In fact, his ophthalmologist  is worried with his symptoms that include seeing rainbow halo and blurred vision.

According  to the medical dictionary, VKH is a syndrome of uveomeningitis associated with retinochoroidal detachment; temporary or permanent deafness and blindness; and, sometimes (usually not permanent), alopecia, vitiligo and poliosis. The cause is unknown, but it may be an inflammatory autoimmune condition.

The 22 year old is a  member of the Recollect Educational Assistance for Deserving Students (Reads), who works part time in different offices of the university as a scholar for four years. He is required to maintain high grades and give 36 hours per week of service to the university.

Castro’s family hails from Medellin, northern Cebu. His father is a construction worker while his mother is a homemaker. His only sibling, Jacquelou died at the age of 19 from a  heart ailment in 2007.

He recalls how the death of his sister made him question God’s existence.

“Before I was very skeptical with His existence, the fact that my sister died years ago and then my situation came. But He made me realize a lot of things. We may not able to understand His wisdom, but we should always trust His Will. Everything happens for a reason and God is really good,” he said.

(Cebu Daily News featured Castro’s condition in its February 15 and 16 issues. Since then, he has received aid for treatment.)

Treatment
Doctors prescribed steroids to treat his condition and recommended an eye operation that would cost around P100,000.

For him, raising the money seemed impossible.

Even consultations with his ophthalmologist  was a drain to his family’s resources.

Donations from well-meaning friends, relatives and strangers have begun trickling in but amassing the P100,000 seems to be a long way off.

“It is not easy to lose your sight knowing that it is vital to you. No matter how great you can be if you do not have the sight, you cannot do anything. But now it is nice to know that there is an improvement to my condition,” he said.

When his story came out last February 15, a doctor from Chong Hua Hospital contacted Castro to help him  get a second opinion from Aces Eye Referral Clinic at the Perpetual Succour Hospital.

Doctors are exhausting other forms of treatment that may prevent an invasive eye operation. And so far, his condition has improved.
“Nice nga feeling kay naay improvement sa akong condition. One at a time, something good happens. You just have to think you’ll be okay. I believe that God is bigger than any problem in the world,” said Castro.

“There were a lot of people who helped me. It is life-changing when many people help you. More importantly, I have seen my mama smile. Am happy to see my mother smile. Seeing her happy is more than what I can ask for,” he said.

Financial help is still pouring in for Castro. Even the Filipino Community in Dubai reached out to extend their help and his alma mater, USJ-R, initiated a benefit concert for him. His fellow working scholars have given him an award for being an outstanding student.

“It made me realize that the world is not cruel after all, that there is this hope, basig unsa pa siguro ka cruel karon ang kahimtang nato,” he said.

Motivation
“Everything happens for a reason. Maybe I was born poor so at the same time I can be an inspiration to others to persevere,” he said explaining how his family has become his source of strength in dealing with every obstacle life has thrown at him.

After graduation, Castro visited the grave of his sister Jacquelou in Medellin, showing her, the fruits of his labor – his diploma and medal.

“I know that she has been guiding me all throughout. It was her dream for me finish my studies. I know she is happy with what I achieved. My success is also her success and she’s been helping me,” he added.

The future is slowly  but steadily getting  better for  Castro who said he firmly believes his eye condition will improve, with  the best doctor to help him and a  God who does miracles.