It’s Never Too Late to Achieve Your Dreams

I’m Bernabe A. Mangilin, 43 years of age. I recently graduated with the degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino last July 9, 2021 at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Sipocot Campus here in Camarines Sur.

Previously, I worked as a stock man at SM Fairview and as a factory worker in Manila. It is in 2015 when I moved to Bicol when our company shut down permanently and with some earnings, I planned what’s next for me.

When I decided to go back to school to finish my college education to have a better future, people will always tell me I’m too old. I was 38 when I enrolled in college. I received a lot of insults and bullying. Everyday I have to deal with this people. Its never been easy. I’ve struggled a lot.

I became an active student in school proving everyone that age doesn’t matter. I joined several organizations. I was a competitive student who loves joining competitions. I was the President of Supreme Student Council which gave me the opportunity to travel to different locations in the country for leadership seminar. I was sent to Kortrijk, Belgium as exchange student for North Intensive Program last February 2020.

Not because people tell you that you are ‘too old’ means you cannot make yourself better. I proved them wrong. Don’t listen to them. Trying to better yourself for you and your family is never a waste of time. If education gives you even the slightest of happiness and satisfaction, or hope of providing a better future to your family, go ahead and do it.