A 67-year-old grandmother from Rizal province has proven that age is just a number in reaching one's dreams and aspirations.
Lolita Escal (Photo from URS Angono Campus University Supreme Student Government)
Lolita Escal, a salt vendor in the province, captured the hearts of the public after being included in the list of graduating Senior High School (SHS) students at the Angono National High School under the Humanities and Social Sciences track, and taking the college admission exam at the University of Rizal System - Angono Campus (URS Angono Campus).
According to Escal, her lifelong dream is to study law and become a lawyer. However, due to financial constraints, she opted to take AB Journalism instead with the hope that this will be her initial step in achieving her dream.
"Kitang-kita naman kay Nanay ang tiyaga at determinasyon niya para makapag-aral at makapagtapos. Nabalitaan pa nga natin na ipinagsasabay ni Nanay Lolita ang buhay estudyante at vendor, kung saan nag-aaral siya sa umaga at nagtitinda naman ng asin sa tanghali (We saw Lola Lolita's perseverance and determination in studying and finishing her studies. We also found out that she was able to juggle her time from being a student and working to earn a living. She studies in the morning, then sells salt in the afternoon)," Rizal Governor Nina Ynares said.
"Isang lesson ito at inspirasyon para sa atin: hindi hadlang ang edad sa edukasyon at ambisyon. Basta't sasamahan ng dedikasyon, sipag, at lakas ng loob, walang imposible (This is a lesson and inspiration for every one of us that prove that age is not a hindrance in being able to study and reach your dreamsn. As long as you have dedication, perseverance, and strength of mind and body, nothing is impossible)," she added.
Escal's SHS teacher, Johanna Barabona, also said the former's determination and dedication in finishing her studies are truly something to be proud of.
Despite suffering from hearing difficulties, Escal actively participates in class discussions and excels in essay writing, Barabona noted.
“Isa siyang inspirasyon sa lahat. Tunay nga na, anuman ang edad, walang makapipigil sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap (She is an inspiration to everyone by proving that whatever your age is, nothing will stop you from reaching your dreams)," Barabona added.
As of this writing, URS Angono Campus University Supreme Student Government's photo of Lola Lolita taking the school's admission test uploaded in social media has already reached more than 49,000 reactions and 407 comments.