At 72 years, Bryan has lived a life full of stories - from decades of hard work, to raising a beautiful family, and chasing dreams. 

Yet there's been one dream that had always eluded him: that of walking across the stage in a cap and graduation gown.

With a determination undimmed by time, that moment has finally arrived. Bryan just graduated for the first time from the University of Malta with a Diploma in Journalism.  

Originally from New Zealand, Bryan  has been living in Malta since 1982 with his wife, who he met in New York. Together, they have four daughters. 

Although he passed his university entrance exam in New Zealand in 1971, he took on a job in construction, then another in mining, he played professional rugby for a while, and lived in America for six years. 

After he moved to Malta in December 1982, he started doing write-ups for The Malta Rugby Football Union, but lately he felt that he wanted to "hone the art a little bit more" so he applied at UM as a mature student.

Despite there being the obvious age gap between him and the younger students, Bryan found another source of support in them, and they in him - some even going up to him telling him "you're like my grandfather". It's safe to say, he made new friends. 

He thanks his lecturers for their time, but he credits his success to his family, who encouraged him to join up and study, especially one of his daughters who is currently pursuing a Master's in Teaching and Learning at UM as well.

What's next for Bryan? He's still processing the opportunities that may arise, but, as life's course is an evolution, he hopes that who he's evolved into is of value to those surrounding him. 

#UMgrads24