Age No Barrier: Erini Graduates from Polytech at 65
"Working in a field with what I'm passionate about is what I do love the most," she said.
Saturday 16 August 2025 | 06:30
Erini Dei Ratatagia, 65, proudly holding her Certificate in Front Office Operation after the Pacific Polytech graduation on August 15, 2025.
Photo: Rariqi Turner
Graduating from college at 65 is not the norm.
By this age, most people have retired, done raising families or watching their own grandchildren grow.
For Erini Dei Ratatagia graduating with her Front Office Operations Certificate from the Pacific Polytech in Nabua, Suva on Friday was about following her heart.
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Originally from Visama, Nakelo in Tailevu, with maternal ties to Rakiraki, Yale, Kadavu, Ms Ratatagia a wife and mother of five, said her life has been deeply rooted in family, culture, and service.
"Truly, education has no age limit," Ms Ratatagia said.
"Age is just a number to me education must go on,"
Erini Dei Ratatagia
"Working in a field with what I'm passionate about is what I do love the most," she said.
"I love to work in hotels, offices, or anywhere I can deliver my passion."
Driven by that passion, she made the brave decision to return to the classroom; although she was surrounded by younger students she was filled with confidence and purpose to acquire her certificate.
"Age is just a number to me education must go on," she shared with a smile.
Behind her success is a strong pillar of support-her five children, who cheered her on every step.
"I'm so thankful that I have children who support me along the way," she said.
"No matter my age, they still believe in me."
Ms Ratatagia's story is one of the very powerful story. Her journey reminds us all that it's never too late to learn, to dream, and to achieve.
With family behind her and passion ahead of her, she walked across that stage not just as a graduate, but as an inspiration.
