SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental – “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending,” a quote read in an online site borrowed by a 70-year-old Lucy R. Gonzaga from which she draws strength.

Gonzaga much known as Nanay Lucy’s life story is truly inspiring and serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams regardless of age and circumstances. Nanay Lucy’s household became a 4Ps beneficiary in 2012 where her three grandchildren living with her qualified to be the monitored children of the program.

After regularly attending the Family Development Session (FDS), Nanay Lucy was inspired to go back to school together with her grandchildren since she only finished high school. She then enrolled in Senior High School in the same year they qualified as a 4Ps beneficiary. After graduating from Senior High School in 2019, she embarked on another milestone to take a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries in the following year.

Despite facing financial constraints, commuting daily, and caring for her sick husband who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Nanay Lucy is determined to pursue her dream. However, she made a difficult decision to suspend her college education in 2023 when she found it hard to sustain her daily school allowance particularly when their household graduated from the program.

When opportunity knocks on her door again, she resumed her studies early this year with the help of her children and friends despite the challenges she has faced. Nanay Lucy’s determination makes her a role model not only for her fellow 4Ps beneficiaries but also for people of all ages. Her story shows that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals.

Her message to the younger generation is one of hope and urgency—to seize opportunities while they can, and not to take education for granted. Challenging them to make the most of their time and opportunities, emphasizing that it’s never too late to pursue education and dreams. By continuing her studies and striving for a degree, Nanay Lucy demonstrates the transformative power of education. It has enabled her to redefine her life and set an example of lifelong learning.

Nanay Lucy’s story defies societal expectations about age and education. She proves that one’s age should never be a barrier to personal growth and achievement. Nanay Lucy’s dream is to finish college to have her diploma, a diploma that will prove that age should not be a barrier to achieving anyone’s goal. Her story resonates with anyone facing challenges or doubting their capabilities, serving as a living testament to the potential for success at any stage of life.

She said the 4Ps have been instrumental in whatever she is now today. Currently, Nanay Lucy is preparing her on-the-job training as a requirement before her graduation. (Submitted by City Link, John Michael Vincent Mejares, Negros POO1)