10/04/2025
💙💛♥️
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞: 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐈 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞
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.
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳
When she first heard that Stefan would be competing in the CESAFI Esports League, she couldn't help but feel proud of her son. “When I first heard that my son would compete in the CESAFI Esports League, I felt very proud and happy for him.”
However, her support wasn’t immediate. Like many parents, she had concerns about esports and its potential drawbacks while studying in college. “At first, I wasn’t 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.”
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.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Despite her growing support, she understood the importance of setting boundaries. “I set some rules to make sure he balances gaming with school and other responsibilities. But I trust him to manage his time well.”
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.
𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀
Like any mother watching her child compete in an intense environment, emotions can run high. “I try to watch his matches when I can. I feel nervous and excited, but most of all, I’m proud of him.”
Her support isn’t 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.
𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
For parents who may still be hesitant about their child’s interest in esports, here’s an optimistic way of looking at it: “My advice to other parents is to understand what their child loves. Support them, but also remind them to balance gaming with school and life.”
Her journey from uncertainty, to belief, and full-on support is a testament to her son’s 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 mother’s support makes all the difference.
—
Words by Gio Paolo Saladaga
Layout by Nin Ruelos & Kate Deiparine
Edited by Adrianne Karl Ogario
