MANILA, Philippines – At an age when many people begin to slow down and reflect on past accomplishments, Raul Despojo stands as a powerful reminder that dreams have no expiration date, having passed three different board examinations between the ages of 43 and 55 in a journey that proves it is never too late to keep learning and striving.
 |
| Provided photos by Raul Despojo |
Despojo, who exclusively shared his inspiring story with The Summit Express, is now 61 years old and based in Marikina City, but his journey began in Bacolod City where he first learned the value of perseverance despite life’s challenges.
The Bacolod-born professional eventually built a remarkable path across three different fields—healthcare, business, and education—demonstrating that determination can push boundaries regardless of age or circumstance.
He first graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, a course he chose largely because, as he recalled, “it was the most practical one during my time.”
Although he pursued a practical path early in life, Despojo quietly held on to a dream of becoming a nurse, a goal he initially had to set aside when his parents could not afford the course.
Years later, after building a career and raising a family, he decided to return to school and finally pursue nursing, a bold decision that required him to leave a stable job after two decades in corporate life.
“Resigning from my job after 20 years to study nursing may seem like a midlife crisis thing,” he shared, “but I decided to finish it eventually, and it felt great.”
In June 2007, at the age of 43, Despojo took the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) and successfully passed, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey of professional achievements.
Only a year later, at 44 years old, he challenged himself again and passed the Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination (REBLE) in October 2008, expanding his professional credentials into the business sector.
More than a decade later, when many people would have already stepped away from academic pursuits, Despojo returned to the review room and took the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2019.
At the age of 55, he passed the teachers’ board exam, completing the rare feat of earning three professional licenses in three different fields.
“Age was the main challenge during the review classes,” he admitted while recalling the experience of studying alongside much younger examinees.
“Reviewing at 40 or 50 plus was really a struggle, but you’ll survive eventually,” he added with quiet confidence.
Behind every exam he passed was a deeper motivation rooted in family and faith, as Despojo balanced his studies while raising three daughters and supporting his loved ones.
“Raising three kids while going back to school at 40 years old may seem impossible, but I managed to get through with time management and lots of prayers,” he shared.
Today, Despojo describes himself as a happily retired man who continues to work as a freelance real estate broker while enjoying time with his family, including his grandchildren.
His story, however, carries a lesson that extends far beyond professional achievements.
“Never stop learning,” he said, sharing the guiding principle that shaped his journey.
For Raul Despojo, the years between 43 and 55 were not barriers to success but powerful proof that with determination, faith, and perseverance, it is never too late to pursue a dream.
— The Summit Express