MANILA, Philippines – For most people, turning 40 signals stability.
For Junny Marcial, it marked a beginning. At 45, he is now a Registered Pharmacist (RPh), proving that ambition does not expire with age.
Marcial’s journey was anything but conventional. After years as a district sales manager and medical representative, he made a life-changing decision: resign from his job, return his company car, and go back to school to pursue pharmacy—an entirely different path from his Business Administration background.
Many doubted him, calling his move a “risk” or even a “mistake.” But Marcial pressed on.
Enrolling at Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation, Inc. at age 40, he embraced the discomfort of starting over.
He traded corporate authority for student humility, learning to “unlearn and relearn” alongside classmates decades younger.
The transition was not easy. He failed subjects, struggled with technical concepts, and wrestled with self-doubt. Still, he persisted.
To prepare for the pharmacy board exams, Marcial relied on discipline and resourcefulness. Without a steady income, he recycled used bond paper for notes and turned receipts into flashcards.
His study routine was rigorous—waking as early as 3 a.m. to take hundreds of mock exams daily. His scores were often below passing, but he viewed each attempt as progress, not defeat.
Faith anchored his journey. Through prayer and daily reflection, Marcial found strength amid uncertainty.
When he finally took the board exams in April 2026, he carried not just knowledge, but resilience.
Passing on his first attempt, Marcial’s story is a testament to perseverance.
“There are too many names to mention, but I will always be grateful for them because their names are already deeply ingrained in my heart. I will always dedicate all of my accomplishments and merit to you alone, LORD,” he said.
His message is clear: success is not defined by age, but by courage, discipline, and belief. As he puts it, “Life starts at 40”—and sometimes, even later.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express