It’s never too late to get an education

CEBU, Philippines - Age does not matter when it comes to getting an education.

This is especially true for Bridger Lawrence de los Reyes who, at the age of 64, has chosen to travel for more than an hour by bus everyday from his hometown in Sibonga to the University of the Visayas in Cebu City where he is studying.

De los Reyes, who is often called “tatay” by his classmates, “sir” by his teachers and “lolo” by the college dean, is a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student in UV. He believes that concentrating on no-nonsense activities such as studying is a whole lot better than wasting his time hanging out after he retired.

Tatay first went to college in 1968 taking up the same degree program at the same university.

In 1973, he decided to take an examination to become a policeman. He was still studying then but at that time, one can already work for the police force if he has taken 72 units of the course and has passed the entrance exams.

De los Reyes passed the examinations and worked as a law enfor-cer in the city for five years.

His responsibilities in the police force, however, took a toll on his studies. It came to a point where he could no longer catch up with the lessons and was left with no choice but to withdraw some of his subjects.

“On and off akong pag-eskwela kay na-busy na man sa trabaho,” he said.

De los Reyes eventually decided to quit school in 1976 but continued being a policeman.

In 1978, he was given an opportunity to work for the United States military as a mechanic. He worked abroad for 42 years, coming home to the Philippines once or twice a year to visit his family.

De los Reyes recalled that his father, who was against his going abroad to work, became proud of his achievements. He was compensated well for his work with the US military that he was able to build a house for his family.

It was in 2012 when De los Reyes came home to the Philippines for good to live with his wife and child. Since he had nothing to do anymore, he decided to go back to school and complete his education, using the retirement benefits he received from his previous employment to pay for his tuition.

“I have more than enough for me and my family. This will do,” he said.

With classes from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening, De los Reyes is determined to finish his studies this time and is currently doing research for his thesis.

He admits, though, that there were times when people made fun of him being old and taking up a course where most, if not all, the other students are young. But he just ignores these and concentrates on his studies.

“I remind them that it’s never too late to get an education. In fact, everyday you learn something new even if you don’t go to school. But for me, I will finish this course and proceed to law,” he said.

Despite his age, De los Reyes acts like a regular student and gets along with his much younger classmates. He said he never acts like he knows better than his classmates.

He also shares his knowledge and expertise to those who are willing to learn from him. He, however, clarified that he always stands up for what he believes is right.

“Naa’y panahon nga kon duna ko’y nahibaw-an, akong i-share. Kon duna sab ko’y nabatian nga di maayo, makahibawo ra pud sila,” he said.

De los Reyes is expected to graduate March of next year but his thirst for knowledge does not stop there.

He revealed that after his graduation in 2015, he will pursue studies in law, also in UV, to fulfill his father’s dream for him to become a lawyer.

“I want to further my education. I didn’t have the time before since I grabbed the opportunity to work in America. But even if my father has already passed away, I know I can still fulfill that promise to him,” he said.

“I am the kind of person who wants to aim high and hit the targets. It has always been like that,” he said, adding that he hopes to successfully reach his ambition when he reaches the age of 70.

He then advised the younger generation to focus on what they really want to become in the future and pray that their dreams will come true.

“Do your best to achieve the things you want to achieve in life. And when you pray for it, you shall accomplish it,” De los Reyes concluded with a smile. — /QSB (FREEMAN)