Canvas Student Voices: Deanna, De La Salle University

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Overcoming challenges with Canvas: How Deanna stayed connected to learning

For De La Salle University graduate student Deanna Balatbat, education has always been more than just academics. It has been a path to independence, connection, and possibility. But that path hasn’t been easy.

Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and generalised epilepsy, Deanna faced unpredictable symptoms that made attending classes in person difficult. Some days, she had to leave mid-lecture and rest in the clinic. On others, she couldn’t make it to campus at all.

Despite the challenges, she was determined to complete her education. And with the right support, including dedicated professors and the flexibility of Canvas, she did just that.

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Video Transcript
So it started in high school. It was the first day of tenth grade. And then, yeah, I felt the tic coming, so I immediately went to the clinic. And as soon as I, you know, I got to the clinic, hospital bed, I started ticcing, like, really, really bad. So I was I was rushed to the nearest hospital when my dad picked me up, and he was so worried. And then we were both just quiet on the way home.

And that was the last day of school for me. I'm Diana. I have been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and generalized epilepsy for about nine years now. Most of the time the struggle was with acceptance. So that was the hard part, not having the the answers.

I had the best support system, not just at home, but again, with my professors, friends. I worked really hard because I wanted to go back to regular school. For me, Del Sol University is a home that provided me an inclusive education. All those struggles, those dark times, they were really worth it because in February of twenty twenty four, I got my degree in literature. I never expected any of that.

It was almost an impossibility for me. In fact, I didn't even expect to catch up with college. So right now, I'm in grad school. I'm taking the teacher certificate program. There are days where I can still be absent because of my condition.

So the announcements tab of Canvas really helps me to become updated with my professors. Honestly, really, Canvas has been a huge help in my pursuit of my education. And then, again, then and now. Canvas made it easier for me by, helping me to be in direct contact with my professors. That feature alone, other than every other feature that makes it more, accessible and useful, helped me to, you know, progress in my education.

Struggles in life, adversities, they will always come, but it's how you deal with them. And it's important to know that you can lean on people. De La Salle University is, for me, a home, honestly, because it's one it's a major reason why I'm choosing to pursue education, why I want to be an educator in the future. I was really inspired by my professor, especially in the literature, department. They believes in me, and I think that's the best part of it because I made it.
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Staying on track when absences were unavoidable

For Deanna, attending class wasn’t always an option. When symptoms forced her to leave campus or rest during the day, missing lectures could have set her back. Instead, Canvas gave her a way to keep up.

"Canvas has been a huge help in my pursuit of education," Deanna said. "There are days when I can’t attend class, but the Canvas Inbox keeps me updated with my professors. That feature alone helped me progress."

Through Canvas, she could quickly message her instructors, letting them know if she had to leave. Unlike email, where messages could get buried under university-wide announcements, the Canvas Inbox sent messages directly to her professors, making communication easier. They responded promptly, uploading class materials so she could catch up when she was able.

Staying connected and in control with Canvas

Beyond communication, Canvas helped Deanna manage her coursework at her own pace. She used both the Canvas mobile app and desktop version depending on where she was.

"When I was still in school before getting picked up, I’d use the mobile app to stay connected with my professors and see what they’d attached," she said. "Then, once I’d rested and gained control over my body, I’d use my computer to go through the modules and catch up."

Even small features, like receiving assignment feedback directly in Canvas, made a difference. Professors’ comments weren’t just about grades; they were a sign of progress, motivation, and proof that she was excelling on her own terms.

One feature that stood out to her was Zoom integration within Canvas. As a part-time content writer working 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., she had only minutes between finishing work and joining her evening classes. With Zoom linked directly inside Canvas, she could jump into class with one click, saving time and reducing stress.

A university that prioritised accessibility

Deanna credits De La Salle University’s commitment to inclusive learning as a major reason she was able to succeed. Her professors ensured that accommodations didn’t mean modifications, keeping her education just as rigorous while allowing her to keep pace.

"Struggles and adversities will always come," she said. "But knowing I had support made all the difference."

Through Canvas, she stayed updated on coursework, accessed materials from home, and managed her learning schedule without missing essential lessons. Features like announcements helped her keep track of schedule changes, especially during typhoons or class suspensions.

Creating change: Why inclusive education matters

Originally drawn to creative writing, Deanna discovered a new passion through her experiences: education. Inspired by her professors, she is now pursuing a teacher certificate program with the goal of helping students who face similar challenges.

"I want to be an educator, a good teacher just like they were," she said. "I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students through their struggles."

As part of her academic journey, Deanna has written essays and research papers focusing on Tourette syndrome and the importance of awareness. She believes education plays a crucial role in changing perceptions and making schools more inclusive.

"Education helps people understand the challenges others face," she said. "Without awareness, change doesn’t happen."

Looking back, Deanna sees more than just the obstacles she faced—she sees how much she has achieved. In February 2024, she graduated with Honours, an accomplishment she once thought was out of reach. Now, as she works toward becoming a teacher, she is focused on advocating for inclusion, inspiring others, and proving that every student deserves a chance to succeed.