FOR those who are earning a degree, college may be the last educational phase one has to go through. However, learning never stops after getting a degree. This means that whatever your age is, as long as you are determined, you can continue to pursue your education.

At the University of Mindanao, I have met a lot of individuals who still pursue their education even if they are above 30 years old. For them, it does not matter what their age is as long as they will be able to complete their studies and gain a degree.

There are also individuals who needed to stop their studies after they got married and had children. This did not stop them from finishing what they started in college as they soon returned to finish their degrees.

For many of them, it is important for them to get a degree as it gives them more opportunities in looking for a job. It also allows them to apply for jobs with better pay and benefits.

Though some may have commented that I look like I am still in my mid-20s, I am 31 years old and still pursuing my studies.

To my classmates, I am their "nanay" or "ate". For some of them they could not believe that at 31, I am still on the path of finishing my degree. They have commented that not many people of my age had the courage to pursue my studies despite stopping.

At the end of the day, we will still be the ones to benefit from this journey. We can be assured that there will be an opportunity waiting for us after we complete our studies and earn our degrees. After this we can continue our educational journey as we pursue higher studies. ( Grace D. Daypan, UM Intern)