A journey of renewal and purpose: Why I returned to college in my 40s
College and Agroforestry represent two of the most daunting undertakings for a quadragenarian who spent a little over six years at university the first time around and didn’t even graduate, has lived most of his life in urban environments, and whose only experience with cultivation was growing a couple of pechays in grade 3 as part of a group project.
Returning to academia after decades away is undeniably intimidating.
The rapid pace of technological advancements and changes in educational methods can make the modern college environment feel alien, overwhelming someone who has been out of touch with structured learning for so long. The significant age gap between the younger students and myself further amplifies this sense of alienation, making it harder to connect and collaborate with peers who might not fully understand the unique challenges faced by an older student.
Similarly, Agroforestry—a field deeply rooted in understanding ecosystems, soil science, and sustainable agriculture—requires a connection with nature that urban life rarely fosters. Managing land, nurturing crops, and contributing to ecological balance all seem impossibly complex and intimidating to this city slicker. The challenges of physical labor, the unpredictability of natural forces, and the steep learning curve magnify the fear, making these endeavors seem insurmountable at a stage in life when many would prefer comfort and stability.
To begin to explain my motives, let me take you back 22 years to my first college experience at UP Diliman, where I entered as a bright-eyed DOST scholar, finally free from the watchful eyes of my parents, eager to take on the world on my own and make my mark through engineering.
But life had other plans.
Instead, I spent much of my time at university pursuing my almost immediate newfound passion for the arts, especially music, performing in bands such as Giniling Festival, Penguin!, and Datu’s Tribe, to name a few. My initial goal of becoming a National Scientist quickly faded into the background.
Later, my career took an accelerated turn with my involvement in the showbiz industry as the character Bogart the Explorer from Davao City, among others, through our production company PaperbugTV, co-headed with my partner Jako de Leon (son of Joey de Leon). This shift earned me both financial and professional rewards, further redirecting my path away from the scientific career I had once envisioned.
After years of career exploration and life changes within the confines of our country’s capital, my wife and I agreed to return to her home province in Mindanao to raise our family, where her family owned farmlands.
It was here, in Agusan del Sur, that I encountered firsthand the challenges faced by local farmers who struggle with outdated methods amidst an evolving climate—situations rarely, if ever, seen in the city. In the urban environment, food is just ready to buy or eat; the origins of what we consume, and the processes behind how it’s made or grown, are shrouded in mystery and often apathetically ignored.
My return to college is not about earning a degree or finding a new job anymore; it's about taking on a mission far greater than any I have undertaken before.
However, observing my father-in-law, a lifelong farmer, work tirelessly with limited resources, I realized the urgent need for sustainable and modern farming practices.
This realization led me to the Science of Agroforestry. Agroforestry is a beacon of hope, offering methods that benefit farmers by providing more sustainable and profitable practices while protecting the environment through biodiversity and improved soil health. It integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances productivity while preserving natural resources.
My goal now is to help local farmers transition to modern, sustainable practices that are both affordable and beneficial to their livelihoods. My return to college is not about earning a degree or finding a new job anymore; it's about taking on a mission far greater than any I have undertaken before.
Now, being older and returning to college has its advantages. I am no longer as shy or intimidated as I was the first time. I face challenges with more confidence, relatively undeterred by typical student fears such as fathers, faculty, and failure. Financially, I have had considerable time to plan and prepare for this undertaking, and the free tuition provided by Caraga State University under R.A. 10931 further eases this transition.
Additionally, as I’ve gotten older, I find that I function well with only a few hours of sleep, thanks to improved consistency in my sleep patterns. This allows me to wake up early and stay productive, even if I’ve had a late night.
These are just some of the benefits of going back, not least of which is the peace of mind that the school setting provides, away from the anxieties that plague the “real world.” Here, there is a sense of how everything is just simpler. All I need to do is fill my brain with all this free knowledge among sharp and energetic young adults and try to have fun doing it.
To anyone feeling the weight of doubt or the fear of starting anew later in life, remember this: The pursuit of purpose and the drive to contribute meaningfully can renew our spirits and redefine our futures.
Of course, it also helps that UP Diliman, being one of the most tree-filled campuses in the metropolis, and CSU share multiple similarities in flora and terrain with scenes and aromas triggering feelings of nostalgia. They have their Sunken Garden; we have ours here too.
In pursuing this path, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of embracing new challenges, no matter one's age. To anyone feeling the weight of doubt or the fear of starting anew later in life, remember this: The pursuit of purpose and the drive to contribute meaningfully can renew our spirits and redefine our futures. Embrace the journey, no matter how daunting it seems. Your courage to take that first step can lead to profound and inspiring change.
Oh, and did I mention?
I’ve started a band in school again.