Althea Erin Bailon

Althea Erin Bailon, fondly known as “Eya,” is a 3rd-Year BA Psychology student and a proud Deaf scholar. She is described as hardworking, kind, and devoted to her faith. These qualities reflect her quiet yet powerful inner glow.

Her interest in Psychology began in senior high school, where she found the subject truly fascinating. Over time, what started as curiosity grew into a deeper passion. Influenced by her own personal experiences, Eya chose this path to better understand people, their behavior, emotions, and struggles, as well as to better understand herself. Psychology became more than a course for her. It became a calling to serve and help others.

Beyond the classroom, Eya’s light shines through her involvement in various organizations. Since her first year, she has been an active officer of the Miriam College Differently-Abled Students Association or MCDSA, and she currently serves as a committee head. She is also a member of Psych Gist, her department’s sub-organization, where she has contributed articles and creative stories for the past three years.

Through MCDSA, she helped organize and host major events such as outreach programs, general assemblies, and team-building seminars. She also represented the organization during school fairs and helped promote awareness and inclusion. One of her most meaningful experiences was serving as a guest speaker in a disability sensitivity workshop for Katipunan businesses during her second year. Sharing that platform with a fellow Deaf friend made the moment even more special.

These experiences helped Eya grow both as a scholar and as a person. When she entered college, she felt afraid to step out of her comfort zone. However, she chose courage over fear. Through leadership roles and meaningful interactions, she gained confidence and found a community where she truly belongs.

Eya uses her skills and experiences to advocate for Deaf awareness, inclusion, and mental health. She works to create spaces where Deaf individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes that not everyone is given the opportunity to share their voice, and she is committed to helping create that space for her community.

Eya has been a Merit Scholar since her first year at Miriam College. This scholarship has played a significant role in her journey. It has eased her family’s financial burden and allowed her to focus on her studies without constant worry about expenses. More than financial assistance, it represents trust and belief in her potential.

Being a scholar motivates her to work harder and grow not only academically but also personally. She sees it as a blessing that gave a Deaf girl with big dreams the opportunity to pursue her goals and make a difference.

Her journey was not without challenges. As the only Deaf student in her program, she faced communication barriers and struggled to adjust to a new learning environment. There were moments when she doubted herself and questioned if she truly belonged. Supportive friends and classmates learned sign language to communicate with her, and she will always be grateful for them. Her interpreters also played an important role in helping her understand lessons and keep up with her classes.

Her family has been her constant source of strength. They believed in her even when she doubted herself. Above all, her faith in God keeps her grounded. She believes that she would not be where she is today without Him and the people He placed in her life.

Through both achievements and setbacks, Eya learned that growth comes from embracing challenges instead of avoiding them. Every experience, whether a success or a struggle, taught her something about her strengths and resilience. She has realized that the journey filled with learning and reflection is just as important as the achievements it leads to.

Her advocacies remain close to her heart, especially Deaf awareness, inclusion, and mental health. She lives out these values by speaking up, leading initiatives, and creating safe spaces for her community.

In the future, she hopes to work in the field of psychology and help Deaf individuals lead fulfilling and empowered lives. She wants to become the kind of support for others that many have been for her.

Eya lives by the words, “I will make it because He carries me.” This guiding principle reminds her that she is never alone, even in the hardest moments. Her faith strengthens her resilience and gives her hope.

To her future self, she says to never give up and to keep going. Sometimes, we are closer to our dreams than we think. To others, especially those in the Deaf community, she hopes her story brings comfort and inspiration. Barriers may exist, but they do not define one’s future. With faith, courage, and support, dreams are always within reach.

Write up by: Mirachael Ugdoracion, PRO
Layout by Gen Torres, President and Khym Diaz, Secretary