Erick Marco Ramos, one of only nine Filipinos who qualified for the 2010-2011 Global Undergraduates Exchange program administered by the Fulbright Commission, is also the first and only blind person to qualify for the said scholarship.
Having been born prematurely, Marco suffered from Retinopathy of Prematurity or ROP which caused him to lose vision in his right eye by age three and to progressively lose the vision in his left. Due to a rare inflammatory disease that caused partial retinal detachment in both of his eyes, Marco was almost completely blind by the time he reached his twentieth birthday.
Dealing with vision loss was extremely difficult for the ambitious young man. Being a consistent honor student throughout his grade school days, Marco found it painful to realize that he would not be able to do the things that he excelled in. During that time, Marco lost his self-esteem and confidence together with his dimming vision.
In July of 2007, Marco was one of the students in ATRIEV’s basic PC Operations course. Marco readily learned the ins and outs of using a computer with the aid of a screen reader program that translates every keystroke and screen change into voice output. His ATRIEV trainers noticed his exceptional intelligence and talent. He readily took on more challenging tasks like handling ATRIEV’s English Language Communications module in 2011. Marco also showcased his RnB singing style at ATRIEV’s benefit concert in2008 back-to-back with Nyoy volante. He was also the top choice in ATRIEV’s participation in corporate events like the Ruby anniversary of FINEX held at Palacio de Manila and the General Assembly of Standard Chartered Bank held at the Manila Polo club.
For a glimpse of Marco’s singing prowess click
His scholastic record earned Marco the sponsorship of Mr. Craig Reines – former ATRIEV trustee — and the Liliane Foundation. Having gaining back his confidence, Marco enrolled at the Philippine Normal University under the rigorous English Majorship Program. Despite his disability, Marco excelled with his academics and co-curricular activities.
In August of 2010, Marco left for the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville to begin his one semester study grant from the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program. He enrolled in courses concentrated on Rhetoric and Composition. In the beginning, Marco felt the pressure. “I represent not only my country and my school but the sectors of persons with disabilities as well. Being the world’s first visually impaired grantee for the program, I feel as if a lot is expected of me. The success of other persons with disabilities in terms of obtaining the grant is dependent on how well I perform.” Marco says. Staying true to his reputation, Marco indeed delivered. He received straight “A’s” in all of his subjects including the Senior and Graduate School level Rhetoric and Linguistics classes where he performed at the top of his class alongside sighted peers. At the end of the semester, Marco was included in the University of Southern Indiana’s Dean’s List for the Fall semester of 2010.
World Learning Video About Erick Marco Ramos, ATRIEV Trainer and PNU Student
now in his final year at the Philippine Normal University, ATRIEV continues to support Marco’s education. With his consistent scholastic record, Marco is expected to graduate with honors. With his unparalleled achievements, Marco proved that there are indeed no limits to success.
For a detailed story of Marco’s success, please visit Success Stories.