"It’s Never Too Late - Age Is Just a Number"

At 65 years old, Erini Dei Ratatagia stood proudly among graduates at the Pacific Polytech ceremony last Friday, proving that learning truly has no age limit.

Originally from Visama, Nakelo in Tailevu, with maternal ties to Rakiraki, Yale, Kadavu, Ms Ratatagia is a wife, mother of five, and now a certified graduate in Front Office Operations.

Married into Mokani, Bau, in the province of Tailevu, her life has been deeply rooted in family, culture, and service.

For Ms Ratatagia, going back to school was not about catching up—it was about following her heart.

“Working in a field with what I’m passionate about is what I do love the most,” she said.

Driven by that passion, she made the brave decision to return to the classroom, surrounded by younger students but filled with confidence and purpose.

“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 of the way.

“I’m so thankful that I have children who supported 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.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj