Here, I say, Pinay na naman!
At 62 years old, Rosula Calacala just proved that it’s truly never too late to chase down a lifelong dream.
She actually started law school at 58, juggling her studies while working as an accountant—a profession she held for about 40 years. Even with that packed schedule, she managed to breeze through her four-year program at Northeastern College in Isabela without failing a single class or needing any remedial tests.
Then, in September 2023, she took the Philippine Bar Examination for the very first time and passed, putting her among the proud 3,812 examinees who made the cut out of over 10,000 applicants nationwide.
The Journey of Hard Work and Grit
Formerly a domestic helper, Rosula credits her success to pure hard work and determination.
To share her milestone, Calacala shares on her recent post,
Katulong ako dati kaya I am a hard worker.
Nag-aral akong mabuti para matapos ko ang law school ng 4years without taking any remedial tests in any subject. I made it in 4 years without any failing grade and took the bar only once at age 62.”
Defying the Odds
Instead of allowing her age to stop her, she took the risk and competed alongside examinees who were decades younger.
She couldn’t help but celebrate the incredible feat, saying after seeing the results,
I’m 62 years old passing the Bar, can you imagine that?”
Following her victory, Calacala shared that she intended to use her new profession in service of God. Her advice to older Filipinos who are still considering law school or another long-delayed goal was equally direct:
take the risk.
A Purposeful Future
Now, Rosula continues her law duties, proving that her transition into the legal world is fully underway as she balances running her practice with a deep sense of community obligation.
Setting up her operations to be accessible to those who need it most, she shared,
Open na ang office ko pag Sabado. Public Service pa rin ang pag-aabogado kahit na may bayad.”
At the end of the day, time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well enjoy the ride and work your way through the challenges.
Whether you hit your stride at 62, earlier, or later, age won’t matter.
The only thing that truly counts is perseverance.
Ultimately, it all comes down to a simple piece of advice: just do what you love.
