58 year old grandfather graduates with
diploma
Upgrade your skills or be left behind.
That's advice from 58 year old Gunalan Chelliah, the proud
grandfather of two young children.
And to prove that he himself walks the talk, he's got himself
something not many other grand-dads have.
Mr Chelliah graduated today from Temasek Polytechnic with a
Diploma in Police Studies and Security Management.
He explains why he took up the course.
"You either have to go and study to acquire skills and knowledge
or otherwise I don't think there's any other way. Because being
old, nobody will accept us to go work in a factory or somewhere.
This is the only avenue I feel will help us to acquire
knowledge."
Mr Chelliah was the oldest person taking centre stage at the
Graduation Ceremony of five part time courses today.
The road to the diploma wasn't easy.
He says the main challenge was competing with students who were
about half his age.
"I left school in 1969, now it's already a very different
concept compared to 36 years ago. For about 6 months I had
difficulty in understanding and coping with the course. And apart
from that, you have to keep pace with the younger students. Their
way of doing things is very fast! But I put in extra effort and I
managed to cope with it."
As for now, he is already on the way to his next education
milestone.
He is pursuing a degree in Security Management at Singapore
Manufacturing Federation's School of Management or SMa.
And though Mr Chelliah says the old have to be the ones picking
up the pace, another party also needs to play a part.
"The government has to give a helping hand for the old people to
continue their studies. I'm also having financial constraints. You
know, doing a degree is not cheap. So I'm also looking forward to
see any avenues where I can get help."
--938Live