A genteel woman with emotional scars to show, and yet has survived through the trials of life, has recently finished her high school education – at the age of 74. We salute her as we listen to her story in this special edition of Exemplars.

Leticia Legaspi Flores, affectionately known as Nanay Letty, is not your typical senior high school graduate. Only a year off three-quarters of a century, she has defied the odds and obstacles, and successfully completed her secondary education – once more a testimony that it's never too late to chase one's dreams.

Born and raised in the fishing town of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, Nanay Letty's journey was marked by numerous challenges, even from childhood. She hails from a humble background, with six other siblings to raise.

In the 60s and 70s, young Letty attended Quirino Elementary School in Quezon City and later Ramon Avanceña Night School in in Quiapo. Her studies were abruptly cut short, for she had to return to the province – just one month before finishing her sophomore year.

Back in her hometown, she was left with an aunt who sold clothes. Despite her tiyahin's business, the young Letty could not do the required readings, submit assignments, nor review her lectures, as she was often too tired due to assisting her. And so, she had to halt her schooling once again.

Hope was bleak for her. Like most ladies in her circle, she inevitably got married in hopes of a better tomorrow. In succession, she had six children, with one set of twins. Life was not easy – far from it!

And fate had more challenges in store for Nanay Letty. She was diagnosed with goiter, which enlarged in time and soon required surgery. She had no one to turn to. Liker so many others in her shoes searching for a better future in the big city – as if it's the answer to all troubles – she sailed once more to Manila as a kasambahay. By then she was around 30 years old.