10/04/2025
๐๐โฅ๏ธ
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๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐: ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ ๐ฌ๐จ๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐
For many parents, the idea of their child pursuing competitive esports can be met with doubt, concern, or even disapproval. However, for Raquiel Chan, watching her son, Stefan, compete in the CESAFI Esports League has been a journey of learning, understanding, and happiness.
๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐จ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ณ
When she first heard that Stefan would be competing in the CESAFI Esports League, she couldn't help but feel proud of her son. โWhen I first heard that my son would compete in the CESAFI Esports League, I felt very proud and happy for him.โ
However, her support wasnโt immediate. Like many parents, she had concerns about esports and its potential drawbacks while studying in college. โAt first, I wasnโt sure about it. I worried that gaming might be a waste of time. But when I saw how serious he was and how much effort he put in, I learned to accept and support him.โ
Her worries stemmed from common parental concerns, such as whether gaming would distract Stefan from his studies and other responsibilities. But over time, she witnessed his dedication and discipline, which changed her perspective.
๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
Despite her growing support, she understood the importance of setting boundaries. โI set some rules to make sure he balances gaming with school and other responsibilities. But I trust him to manage his time well.โ
This balance between guidance and trust has helped Stefan thrive, both academically and in esports. She believes that boundaries are important, but so is allowing him the freedom to pursue his passion responsibly.
๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐โ๐ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐
Like any mother watching her child compete in an intense environment, emotions can run high. โI try to watch his matches when I can. I feel nervous and excited, but most of all, Iโm proud of him.โ
Her support isnโt just limited to watching his games, it extends to encouraging him through victories and defeats. Seeing Stefan play in the CESAFI Esports League has given her a newfound appreciation for esports as a competitive field that requires skill, teamwork, and dedication.
๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ข๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
For parents who may still be hesitant about their childโs interest in esports, hereโs an optimistic way of looking at it: โMy advice to other parents is to understand what their child loves. Support them, but also remind them to balance gaming with school and life.โ
Her journey from uncertainty, to belief, and full-on support is a testament to her sonโs dedication and the ability to balance esports and academics. Through patience, trust, and understanding, Raquiel has become not just a mother to Stefan, but a proud supporter of an athlete in the CESAFI Esports League. And for Stefan, having his motherโs support makes all the difference.
โ
Words by Gio Paolo Saladaga
Layout by Nin Ruelos & Kate Deiparine
Edited by Adrianne Karl Ogario
