A genteel woman with emotional scars to show, and yet has survived through the trials of life, has recently finished her high school education – at the age of 74. We salute her as we listen to her story in this special edition of Exemplars.

Leticia Legaspi Flores, affectionately known as Nanay Letty, is not your typical senior high school graduate. Only a year off three-quarters of a century, she has defied the odds and obstacles, and successfully completed her secondary education – once more a testimony that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams.

Born and raised in the fishing town of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, Nanay Letty’s journey was marked by numerous challenges, even from childhood. She hails from a humble background, with six other siblings to raise.

In the 60s and 70s, young Letty attended Quirino Elementary School in Quezon City and later Ramon Avanceña Night School in in Quiapo. Her studies were abruptly cut short, for she had to return to the province – just one month before finishing her sophomore year.

Back in her hometown, she was left with an aunt who sold clothes. Despite her tiyahin’s business, the young Letty could not do the required readings, submit assignments, nor review her lectures, as she was often too tired due to assisting her. And so, she had to halt her schooling once again.

Hope was bleak for her. Like most ladies in her circle, she inevitably got married in hopes of a better tomorrow. In succession, she had six children, with one set of twins. Life was not easy – far from it!

And fate had more challenges in store for Nanay Letty. She was diagnosed with goiter, which enlarged in time and soon required surgery. She had no one to turn to. Liker so many others in her shoes searching for a better future in the big city – as if it’s the answer to all troubles – she sailed once more to Manila as a kasambahay. By then she was around 30 years old.

An employer eventually promised to help fund her operation. However, it came at the price. She had to commit to stay with them for a certain period. Nanay Letty persevered, enduring the abuses posed by a less-than-gracious employer. Once commitment was met – with no family members, no friends, she hardly knew anybody, all alone – she underwent surgery at the Pasig Provincial Hospital. It didn’t end there. She had to bear the cost of her doctor visits and medicines on her own.

She had to make a sacrifice to come to Manila for her medical treatment to better serve the family. Sadly, this was misunderstood and strained her relationship with her children in the province.

But Nanay Letty never lost faith. After she was free from her kasambahay episode, she eagerly studied vocational courses. She really looked forward to going home, being reunited with her kids for a better life – but there was rejection.

She then pursued working abroad. But a fraudulent recruiter ran off with the hard-earned placement fee of her and her live-in partner. But for the nth time, life once again took an even tougher turn when her life companion fell ill. She dedicated a decade of her life to caring for him.

To find solace and support during these seemingly never-ending rough times, she joined a religious organization in Mandaluyong. They eventually led her with the opportunity to study through the La Salle Green Hills’ Alternative Learning System (ALS) in 2019. Her journey was marked by online classes, which she diligently attended, pushing through the necessary levels, and eventually Grade 11 to 12.

Currently, Nanay Letty stays with a friend. She is a manicurista by trade.

Though she had more than her own fair share of ups and downs – with more downs than ups – she smiled all throughout our interview. When asked about her least favorite part of school, she sheepishly grinned and admitted these were homework and assignments. Her favorite teachers were Jordan Jaravelo and Edcer Reños, who both served as her homeroom teachers and inspired her to keep going.

As for college plans, Nanay Letty humbly said, “I’m already old.” But she expressed her desire to pursue seminars, workshops and brief courses in marketing. She also dabbles in crafting beaded wallets and accessories, hinting at the possibility of a small business venture.

Through her remarkable journey – but oftentimes, ready to give up – Nanay Letty has learned an invaluable lesson. “Kung may pangarap, wag kang bibitiw (If you have a dream, don’t give up).”

In her free time and to cope with stress, she turns to prayer, drawing inspiration from her children, who remain unaware of her educational pursuits.

This year, at the age of 74, she finally graduated from senior high school at La Salle Green Hills. “Mayroon na akong diploma!” she proudly beamed.

Her advice to those who left school and wish to return is both heartfelt and encouraging: “Go back to school and study well. Don’t be ashamed. Education cannot be bought, cannot be stolen from you.”