University News

Beyond Limitations: My Internship Experience as a PWD Student

Alvin Cardinez, Feature Story, Communication Management Office

SDG 4 SDG 10

Education becomes truly meaningful when it is accessible to all, empowering every learner to pursue their aspirations regardless of circumstance. Upholding its commitment to inclusive and equitable education, Sintang Paaralan continues to create opportunities that enable students from diverse backgrounds to thrive. This commitment reflects the University's core values of Inclusivity, Passion for Learning and Innovation, Excellence, and Sense of Service, while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The road to graduation is always an uphill battle. Unfortunately, some have it rougher than the rest. Alvin Cardinez has it harder than most, dealing with a debilitating condition that affected his mobility and motor functions. That changed not just his academic journey, but his entire life.

But with the support of the University and the flexibility provided by the PUP Open University System, Alvin found renewed hope and the opportunity to continue pursuing his dreams. As his graduation draws near, he stands ready to receive the diploma he worked tirelessly to earn.

In commemoration of the National Disability Rights Week, let us hear Alvin's inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of inclusive education.

My name is Alvin Cardinez, a graduating student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System, taking up Bachelor of Public Administration. My journey as a student has been very different from many others because I live with an autoimmune disease called Systemic Scleroderma, which I was diagnosed with in 2017. It is a condition that has affected almost my entire body. Because of this illness, many of the things people normally do every day have become extremely difficult for me. I cannot walk, I cannot hold things, and I cannot do most daily tasks independently. These physical limitations have shaped not only my daily life but also my educational journey. 

My struggles with this condition began years ago. In 2017, when I was in Grade 12, we were required to complete an on-the-job training (OJT) as part of our academic requirement. I tried my best to fulfill it despite my condition, but my body could not keep up with the physical demands. I still remember my first day. When I got home, I cried nonstop because my body was in so much pain. I only lasted a few days before it became clear that I could no longer continue. Because of this, I had to stop studying. It was one of the most difficult moments in my life because education was something I deeply valued, yet my health condition forced me to pause my dreams. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the education system shifted to remote learning. During that time, I decided to try again, even though I did not know exactly how things would work. All I knew was that I wanted to study again and continue what I had started years earlier. Thankfully, because of the online setup, I was able to finish my Grade 12. The OJT requirement was replaced by a project because of the pandemic, which made it possible for me to complete my studies. I eventually graduated with high honors, and that moment gave me hope again that maybe my education did not have to end because of my illness. 

While looking for ways to continue studying, I discovered the PUP Open University System. Seeing that the program offered flexible online learning gave me the courage to try again. For someone living with severe physical limitations, the opportunity to study remotely meant everything. It allowed me to pursue higher education despite the challenges my body faces every day. At the same time, I was also afraid. I kept wondering whether I would truly be able to finish the program or if there would come a time when my condition would once again prevent me from continuing. 

When I started my college journey, one of my biggest fears remained the internship requirement. I constantly worried about what would happen when the time came. I kept asking myself questions: What if online internships were not allowed? What if no office would accept me? What if I could not physically complete the requirement? Would all the years I spent studying lead to nothing? These fears stayed with me throughout my college years, and the uncertainty was often overwhelming.

Thankfully, things turned out differently from what I feared. I am deeply grateful to Assoc. Prof. Emy Ruth Gianan, the Director of the PUP Communication Management Office, who accepted me for my internship. Her decision meant more to me than words can express. When she welcomed me and accepted me as an intern, it felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. She helped answer the questions that had been troubling me for years about how I would be able to complete this requirement. Through her kindness and willingness to give me a chance, she helped open a path that once felt impossible for me. 

During my internship, I was given tasks that allowed me to contribute despite my physical limitations. My work mainly involved researching information and writing articles. One of the tasks assigned to me was communicating with a successful PUP alumna, conducting an interview with her together with Ma’am Emy, and helping write her story. I was also assigned to assist in the Office Performance Commitment Review (OPCR) by recording posts from the official PUP page and PUP CreaTV. These tasks allowed me to participate in the work of the office even though I could not perform physically demanding activities. Through research, writing, communication, interviewing, and documentation, I was still able to take part in the responsibilities assigned to me during my internship. 

My internship experience became more than just a requirement for graduation. It became a reminder that opportunities and understanding can truly change a person’s life. With proper guidance and consideration for my condition, I was still able to contribute in ways that matched my abilities. Instead of focusing on what I cannot do, I was given the opportunity to focus on what I can still do. This allowed me to continue learning, growing, and fulfilling my responsibilities as a student intern.

Looking back, this experience also made me realize how important it is for universities to continue strengthening their support for students living with debilitating conditions. Many students face health challenges that make traditional academic requirements difficult to complete. Yet many of us are simply looking for understanding, opportunities, and a chance to prove that we can still learn, contribute, and grow despite these limitations. Because of this, universities must continue to provide flexible and inclusive options that allow students with disabilities or chronic illnesses to participate fully in their education.

For students like me, opportunities such as remote work arrangements, alternative internship formats, and flexible academic requirements can make a life-changing difference. Strengthening awareness about the realities faced by students with serious medical conditions is also important so that faculty and offices across the University can better understand and support us. Moreover, creating clearer support systems for students with disabilities would help ensure that no student feels uncertain about whether our conditions will prevent us from completing our education. 

As I approach graduation, I carry with me deep gratitude and hope. My journey has not been easy, but the support I received reminded me that inclusion in education becomes possible when institutions are willing to listen, understand, and adapt. My hope is that universities like PUP will continue to expand opportunities for students with disabilities so that more individuals, regardless of their physical condition, will be able to pursue their dreams and continue their education. I also hope that by sharing my experience, other students with disabilities will feel encouraged to pursue their education and believe that their dreams are still possible.

Edited by: Jan Vincent L. Lanuza, Communication Management Office