After decades away from school, 69-year-old Lolita Escal is now a third-year Journalism student, continuing the dream she once had to put on hold.
At 69 years old, Lolita Escal continues her journey toward becoming a journalist after returning to education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), completing Senior High School, and reaching her third year as an AB Journalism student at the University of Rizal System in Angono.
Escal’s path back to school began in 2019 when she enrolled as an ALS learner. Instead of stopping after completing the program, she continued her studies and finished Senior High School before entering college to pursue Journalism.
Her return to education came decades after she stopped studying following her elementary education. Escal finished elementary school five decades ago but was unable to continue after she said her employer assaulted her in Agusan del Norte. She later focused on working and spent years away from formal education.
Years later, Escal decided to return to the classroom. While completing Senior High School, she became schoolmates with her grandchildren, who also became part of her learning journey.
“Minsan kung ‘di ko alam, nagpapaturo ako sa kanila. Minsan nagtatanong sila sa akin lalo na pagdating sa research ‘yung Grade 11 namin,” Escal said.
Her decision to continue studying also came with doubts from people who questioned her choice to return to school at her age.
“Uy, may edad ka na, saan mo pa gagamitin ‘yan? Wala ka na talagang ano dyan, ganun ka na lang,” she recalled.
Escal continued despite those doubts and remained committed to finishing her education. She shared that the memory of her only child, who passed away years prior, became one of her motivations to continue learning.
“Ang tao kasi buhay pa eh, may future pa, ‘pag wala nang future ‘pag patay na, hangga’t buhay, tuloy,” Escal said.
Her journey from returning to school through ALS to becoming a third-year Journalism student shows her continued pursuit of the dream she has carried for years.
