A Symphony in the Dark  The Vision of SLU's Self-Made Scholar 

Picture a young boy, around 10 or 11 years old, walking toward the school gates. He is eagerly carrying bags and books for other children. As he remembers it, "I was the one carrying their bags, books, like having that feeling of 'Wow, I'm going to school.'" But when he reaches the entrance, he stops and simply sees them off. He was not enrolled. 

That young boy was John Lacbaoan Paredes, a native Cordilleran who grew up in the care of his grandparents in Aglipay, Quirino Province. Today, he is a familiar face around Saint Louis University. He has been teaching for 14 years. But the students who pass him in the halls rarely know the sheer grit it took for him to reach the front of the classroom. 

College presented a whole new set of hurdles. Without the internet or accessible learning materials like Braille, studying required immense creativity. He relied heavily on tape recorders. He explained his system clearly: "For instance, I'll give you a book, then ask you to read and record it. Afterwards, I'll translate it to Braille." 

In the classroom today, Sir John is sharp, humorous, and highly attuned to his students. He knows that some students try to cheat. His countermeasure is brilliant. He occasionally sets up a video camera while teaching. Even though he deletes the footage immediately, it works perfectly. "It's like the video serves as a scarecrow," he noted.

Beyond the university walls, his impact resonates throughout Baguio City and the entire country. He serves as a Council member for the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Music is his other great advocacy. Sir John plays with the "Philippine Rondalla Serenata," a musical group consisting entirely of blind members. This dedication stems from a lesson passed down by his late professor. He recalled the advice perfectly: "It should come in your life that your focus is to help other people." His priority shifted from personal income to a higher purpose, focusing instead on "how you can give back to the community." 

Looking back at his journey, his message to the youth is clear. He challenges students to truly value their blessings and embrace their struggles. "There is value in experiencing hardships," he stated. 

To those facing their own mountains, he offers a powerful perspective. "Disability is a hindrance if you make it," Sir John said. "It is not a hindrance if you try to work around it."