“Walang pinipiling edad ang pangarap”: 57-yr.-old mom from Cagayan finishes high school

When one is determined to climb a mountain, not even old age, grazed hands, and tired feet can hinder a person from getting to where they want to be. This is what a mom from Cagayan showed the young bloods in their town after marching on stage to get her high school diploma at 57.

To some, Armelyn Areola is too old to get back to school, and that she should stick with taking care of her husband and three children. This super mom, however, proved she can juggle her responsibilities at home and academics as she graduated from senior high school this April.

Armelyn is one of the 519 graduates of batch 2025 at the Ballesteros National High School.

The 57-year-old, as reported by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office, was so motivated to finish schooling that even with scraped hands from doing laundry and tired feet from walking long distances to save money, she had always attended her classes. 

A proof of this dedication and hard work is not just her diploma, but also her ‘outstanding’ citation in the Technical-Vocational Education in Dress Making during their graduation day.

Getting her high school diploma, Armelyn stressed that reaching one’s dreams is never too late for everyone and that one only needs diligence, perseverance, and faith in oneself.

“Walang pinipiling edad ang pangarap. Basta may sipag, tiyaga, at paniniwala sa sarili — kayang-kaya,” she was quoted saying.