My college journey at 32

It took me 15 years to finally earn my college diploma. From dropping out to working in media, getting married, having kids, and then deciding to go back to school. I never thought I’d graduate summa cum laude. In this episode, I share my real and raw journey of how God’s grace, discipline, and teamwork with my husband Wancho made this possible. If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to chase a dream, this one’s for you.

What is ETEEAP and how did it help me graduate?

The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) is a CHED-accredited program that allows working professionals to earn their degree by recognizing work experience, training, and prior learning. Going back to school wasn’t easy, but the opportunity to align my work and life experience with a degree was a gift.

**1. Know your “Big Why”**

Don’t go back to school just because you feel pressured by society or ashamed of your past. Your “why” has to be bigger than pride. For me, it was about stewardship, honoring God, my family, and the opportunities I was given. If your diploma is just for pride, it won’t be worth it. But if it’s for a mission, God will bless it.

**2. Walk in teamwork with your family**

When you’re married (or raising a family), your mission is shared. Juancho and I had to align our goals and schedules to make this possible. Your family isn’t separate from your dream because they’re part of it.

**3. Discipline is your best friend**

Going back to school while juggling work and motherhood taught me that discipline means saying yes and meaning it. Even small commitments matter. Discipline looks like saying yes and meaning it. Even if it’s just a run or a class, our yes has to be yes.

**4. Don’t be afraid of long timelines**

It took me 15 years. And yet, the timing was perfect because God used those years to prepare me for the lessons I needed to learn, and not just academically, but in character.

**5. Submission is part of the mission**

I had to submit not only to academic requirements but also to God’s timing. Humility plays a big role in finishing what you’ve started, especially when pride wants to rush the process.

**6. Your finish line is bigger than you**

Graduating wasn’t just about me. It was for my kids, my husband, and even the people who thought it was too late. It became a testimony of what’s possible when you trust God with your unfinished stories.

Encouragement if you’re thinking of going back to school:

It’s never too late. Time doesn’t disqualify you from finishing.
Start small. One class, one semester, one “yes” at a time.
Lean on grace. God equips you to finish strong if it’s aligned with His purpose.