I am Zii Wenceslao, 26 years old, youngest in 7 siblings, and I am Colour Blind.
I can't see the world the same as others do. But I always see the good in people. I am the kind of person who appreciates the simplicity of life. I have a heart for street children and old people.
When I was a child, I really don't understand why my teacher always scolded me. My classmates used to make fun of me because I used to draw green cars, green buildings, green faces. I don't get excited with rainbows. I often mistakenly eat the unripe fruits.
I grew up wondering what is wrong with me. I got the answers when I had my very first eye check up.
It was 2011 when i found out that I am Red-green Colorblind (Deuteranopia).
It's not easy.
I really love cooking but i can't even tell when my dish is cooked. Differentiating ripe and green tomatoes is so hard that i have to ask for guidance. Even the clothes I wear still need somebody's approval.
Being unable to identify different shades of colors have some serious psychological damage to my self- esteem & confidence.
I became more sensitive in all aspects. I get demotivated in everything that I do. I wanted to pursue photography but I get insecure knowing that I will never have the right eye for colors. This affected my career performance in work as well.
Colorblindness is incurable. I almost lose hope so I started to just embrace it. I tried my best to see the bright side. " I am still blessed and lucky because i am just colour blind, not totally blind" I said trying to console myself.
Then I learned about EnChroma Glasses in the internet.
I got so excited and motivated.
It brought back my hopes and dreams to see real colors. I worked hard and maintained at least two jobs at the same time. But it's still not enough for I have other needs to sustain.
I wonder "How does it feel to see real colors?
"Would Christmas feel more special?"
"How does the rainbow look like?"
"How many colors are there in the color wheel?"
After 26 years of looking at the world through a green filtered lens, I still can't believe that I am now seeing real colors.
Thanks to my friends who initiated the fundraising and Colour Blind Awareness Raising Campaign in the Philippines.
Because of your generosity, I can already see real colors because i already got my Enchroma Glasses.!
We hope this will be the start of letting the Philippines understand more about colorblindness.
