By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. & Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz

For two decades, he enters a room with a pair of scissors, nail polish, and make-up kit to serve all his clients as a beautician. He passionately fixes hair and gently applies face products, and does manicure and pedicure to earn a living.

Now, he enters the same room with a pen, a notebook, and his phone. His arms not only ready for his suki, but also prepared to attend online classes. With parlor kit on one hand and class tools on the other, he is striving for a more beautiful future - pursuing a college degree even if he is already 42. 

Meet Juanito Agana of Barangay Lacub in Batac City. Fondly called ‘Janeth,’ he is now enrolled at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) as an environmental science student.

A first year student of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development, Janeth is regarded by his professors as attentive, responsive, and a committed student. Being the eldest in his classes, he always takes the role of being the ‘guardian’ or leader of the class. 

To support his studies, he remains a salon beautician and hairstylist. When asked what drives him to go back to school amidst the pandemic, Janeth said he believes having a college degree is much more beneficial in the long run. 

“My age and the ongoing pandemic will not hinder me in pursuing college. For me, education is the key for better opportunities,” he exhorted. “I believe that MMSU’s heart and service for people who do not stop dreaming will surely position me in the best places in the future.”   

Janeth first entered at the University of Perpetual Help in 1999 to take an accountancy degree, but he later on decided to stop. “I opted to quit school and work full time in a parlor during that time because it is seemingly a more practical choice for me,” he recounted.  

During that time, Janeth developed vices as influenced by the people around him - causing him to become strayed into an unfavorable path. 

But suddenly, he realized that he needs to change for the better. Last year, he decided to go back to college, renewing his quest for a brighter future. 

Thanks to his adopted son who further kindled his perseverance to invest for his own education. “This academic track I decided to tread will surely pay the best interest someday, not only for me, but also for my son,” he said. 

His son is also now a first year college student. They anticipate to graduate together after four years – both of them glammed up by his own hands, marching at the Sunken Garden.   

After college, Janeth intends to become an environmentalist, hoping that he will start to be in the field to help preserve and advance no longer just the cosmetic beauty of the human face, but the grand splendor of nature. 

As he continues in this journey, Janeth could not help but recall that it was only when he moved out of his comfort zone that he began seeing all that’s in store for him. It was when he overcame his doubts about his abilities that he started to become the person he imagines to be – a beautiful and unstoppable victor. 

“I want to inspire those who are ashamed to pursue a college degree because of their age. It is not too late to reach one’s dream. No battle could stop you, as long as you have that spirit of valor moving in you,” he urged. (StratCom)