Salt Vendor Continues To Pursue Education Even at Old Age
SALT VENDOR – The 67-year-old Lolita Escal passed the college entrance exam given by the URS Angono Campus.
Different people have different approach towards education. There were those who obtain it without worries on their finances thus they have the freedom to choose the field they want. There are also those who have to break through poverty so they can finish their studies and change their status in life. There are also those whose age is a factor in schooling but does not let it get in the way.
One of the students whose age was not able to hinder her from pursuing education is Lolita Escal or Nanay Lita. She is a 67-year-old Salt Vendor who recently passed the college entrance exam given by the URS Angono Campus.
Nanay Lita took the University of Rizal System Admission Test (URSAT) and is planning to take Journalism. She is one of those who passed the college entrance exam.
The 67-year-old salt vendor was a Grade 12 graduate of Angono National High School. Kurt Stephen Cancio had her life story documented for We Stan Truth as an official entry for the documentary film competition.
Based on the documentary, Nanay Lita had just finished elementary when she needed to stop and help her family. She got married and they were blessed with a child. However, her husband and her child died so she is living alone now.
Nanay Lita is supporting her studies by working as a salt vendor. After attending school, she would proceed to the market to sell salt. With regards to her decision to continue her studies, she has not set a goal but she is determined to pursue whatever she can.
According to teacher Johanna Marie Barabona, she is impressed by Nanay Lita for her hard work in her studies. She is even more hardworking than her classmates who are several years younger than her. The teacher also shared that she is good in English and in composing essays.
It was last May 30, 2024 when the 67-year-old salt vendor graduated from high school. She is determined to continue in life with God.
“Kung ano lang maabot ko, ano lang kakayanin ko, yun na lang. Mahirap mag ambisyon ako na hindi ko naman kakayanin. Mag-ambisyon man ako, yung makakaya ko lang,” Nanay Lita said.
As for an advice, the 67-year-old woman advises the youth to help themselves first. She believes that helping your family first before yourself seems to be wrong.
“Unahin mo ang sarili mo bago ang pamilya mo. Pagkatapos ng sarili mo, tulungan mo ang pamilya mo,” Nanay Lita said.