From Pension to Diploma: 71-year-old grandma earns Fisheries Degree in inspiring feat

• Lucy "Nanay Lucy" Gonzaga, a 71-year-old from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, has achieved her Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree in June 2025, demonstrating remarkable perseverance

• Nanay Lucy's educational journey, which began with her return to studies at age 57, was partly funded by her late husband's P2,500 monthly pension after she completed senior high school in 2019

• Post-graduation, Nanay Lucy expressed a desire to work at Sagay City Hall, aiming to utilize her fisheries knowledge for the benefit of her local community

• Her story stands as an inspiring example of determination and hope, challenging conventional notions about age and the pursuit of academic and personal dreams

In an inspiring testament to perseverance and lifelong learning, a 71-year-old grandmother from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, has successfully completed her Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree in June 2025.

Lucy Gonzaga, affectionately known as "Nanay Lucy" in her community, defied conventional timelines, demonstrating that the pursuit of education knows no age limits.

Nanay Lucy's educational journey was marked by significant interruptions and personal challenges.

Her schooling was initially cut short in 1964 after graduating from elementary school, primarily due to financial hardships that prevented her from continuing to high school.

However, her dream of earning a higher education remained steadfast.

At the age of 57, in 2011, Nanay Lucy made the courageous decision to return to her studies. Despite facing various obstacles and intermittent pauses in her education, she diligently worked towards her goals, eventually completing senior high school in 2019.

This achievement was a pivotal step, paving the way for her to pursue a college degree.

The year 2019 brought both academic triumph and personal tragedy for Nanay Lucy. While she completed senior high school, she also lost her husband, a jeepney driver.

In a remarkable display of determination, she utilized a portion of his ₱2,500 monthly pension to help finance her tuition fees and other educational expenses, transforming a personal loss into a catalyst for her continued academic pursuit.

This strategic use of limited resources highlights her commitment to her educational aspirations.

Her perseverance culminated this June 2025, when she proudly received her diploma for a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.

This degree not only represents a personal triumph for Nanay Lucy but also signifies a dedication to a field relevant to her coastal community in Sagay City, which is known for its rich marine resources and commitment to environmental conservation, particularly within the Sagay Marine Reserve.

When asked about her aspirations now that she has graduated, Nanay Lucy expressed a desire to apply her newly acquired knowledge for the benefit of her community.

She articulated a wish to secure employment at the Sagay City Hall, where she believes she can contribute meaningfully, using her specialized understanding of fisheries to serve the public.

Nanay Lucy's extraordinary journey resonates deeply, echoing similar stories of elderly Filipinos who have embarked on or completed academic pursuits later in life.

These individuals often serve as powerful motivators, challenging societal norms and inspiring younger generations to value education and pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstance.

Their stories frequently highlight themes of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring human spirit's capacity for growth and learning.

Nanay Lucy's unwavering dedication underscores the profound impact of determination and hope, proving that age is indeed just a number when it comes to achieving one's long-held dreams and contributing to society.

News, photos, or videos that capture the interest of netizens often go viral on social media, largely due to the significant public attention they receive. Such posts frequently resonate emotionally with online users, and in some instances, even ordinary individuals become part of the phenomenon due to their relatable nature.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh