In the heart of Tuguegarao East Central School, Remilyn Dimla, 42, who is better known as the school’s diligent janitress, is preparing for a different kind of cleanup operation. In place of brooms and mops, she is donning a graduation cap and gown this time. This July, Dimla will be graduating from kindergarten and stepping up to Grade 1, her determination serving as a beacon of inspiration for many.
Dimla’s journey back to the classroom began when school officials noticed her struggle to write her name while picking up her child’s class modules. Given her difficulties, they encouraged her to enroll in school. A mother herself, her child is a step ahead, presently studying in Grade 1 in the same school.
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Despite her initial reservations and the significant age gap, Dimla quickly became an integral part of her young cohort. According to her teacher, she comfortably fit in with her 4 to 5-year-old classmates, earning herself the affectionate moniker of “Tita” or Auntie. This vibrant mix of age and experience has made her a beloved figure in the school.
Dimla’s journey to education has been filled with adversity. Her mother, prioritizing her stepsister’s education, could not afford to send Dimla to school. Feeling left out, she eventually lost interest and stopped attending.
Now, however, she stands firm in her decision to pick up where she left off. “Pagsisikapan kong makapagtapos hanggang kolehiyo upang maitawid ko ang edukasyon ko at ng anak ko at maipagmalaki rin ako ng pamilya ko,” Dimla said. Translated, this means, “I’ll strive to finish schooling until college for my child’s education and my own and so my family can be proud.”
Her story of resilience and the pursuit of education at any age has already caught the eye of the public. After being posted on social media, Dimla’s class photo rapidly went viral, catapulting her to an unexpected fame. Her newfound fame, however, has not swayed her from her path. Dimla remains focused on her educational goals, undeterred by the attention.
Indeed, Dimla’s determination serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue education. Her journey underscores the importance of learning and the transformational power it holds for individuals and their communities.
As she takes each step across the graduation stage this July, Remilyn Dimla will not just be moving up a grade, but also breaking down barriers and setting a stirring example of courage and persistence. Her story continues to inspire others, proving that age is no barrier to learning, and that it’s never too late to dream anew.
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