A 67-year-old grandmother is all set to embark on her college journey, pursuing a degree in journalism at the University of Rizal System Angono Campus. In a recent report by Raffy Tima on “24 Oras,” it was revealed that she ranked in the top 5 among those who took the entrance exam.
Her motivation to return to education stemmed from the loss of her only child three years ago. This personal tragedy inspired her to complete high school, where she studied alongside her grandchildren. “Minsan kung ‘di ko alam, nagpapaturo ako sa kanila. Minsan nagtatanong sila sa akin lalo na pagdating sa research ‘yung Grade 11 namin,” she shared.
Her educational journey has not been easy. Five decades ago, she finished elementary school but had to stop studying after being assaulted by her employer in Agusan del Norte. “Natakot na ako eh, akala ko ‘di na ako maka-recover. Nagtrabaho na lang ako,” she recounted.
Despite facing skepticism from some who doubted her decision to return to school, she remained undeterred. “Uy, may edad ka na, saan mo pa gagamitin ‘yan? Wala ka na talagang ano dyan, ganun ka na lang,” she remembered people saying. However, she held firm in her belief in lifelong learning. “Ang tao kasi buhay pa eh, may future pa, ‘pag wala nang future ‘pag patay na, hangga’t buhay, tuloy,” she said.