Man becomes PhD at age 69: Used to work as a janitor and housekeeper

More than two decades later, he is now Dr Raya, completing his postgraduate degree in social policy at the age of 69 at Middlesex University.

When asked how he felt, he replied: "Nothing much, just a lifetime achievement."

“Journey to find knowledge”

“I come from a poor family,” he told BBC Radio London . “My father was a barber and my mother was a maid. I used to collect firewood in the forest, pick fruit to sell, and had to drop out of school because my parents couldn’t afford the fees. But those days taught me discipline and instilled in me a desire to learn.”

Mr. Needyanand Raya shares his joy on the day he received his doctorate with his wife. Photo: Middlesex University

When he came to England, he considered it the "land of opportunity" to fulfill his dream.

After completing his master's degree, he was offered a PhD at Swansea University. However, he decided to stop his studies because he wanted to take care of his family with his teacher wife.

“At that time I had to find a job, had to stabilize my life, had to do all kinds of things,” he said.

He started as a housekeeper, then worked as a caregiver for the elderly.

On his first day at work, a veteran employee opened the door and said to the person next to him, "Give him a mop and a bucket and tell him to start on the top floor."

During his work, he met many highly qualified immigrants who still had to do simple jobs. “Some were once top cardiologists in their home country, but now they still had to change diapers at night, just waiting for the opportunity to enter the British health system,” he said.

Dr. Raya then moved into the field of forensic psychiatry, which was in line with his chosen field of expertise. However, he still cherished the dream of returning to the classroom when his children were grown.

“It's never too late to start over”

“Sometimes looking back, I asked myself: I have done everything, so now, at any age, why not start doing what I have always wanted? And I started doing it,” he shared.

In his doctoral thesis, Mr. Raya focused on the postcolonial experience of the French-speaking Creole community in Mauritius, a country that was a French colony before becoming a British colony and gaining independence in 1968.

“Colonialism has commonalities everywhere, but the experiences of each region are different, and that is what fascinates me,” he said.

He continues to research, focusing on the themes of identity and culture.

Professor Eleonore Kofman, his PhD supervisor at Middlesex University, commented: “He was incredibly determined to achieve his goals, especially when working on a topic that had deep personal meaning for him. I am delighted to see him achieve his dream and continue such important research.”

For Dr. Raya, the greatest happiness in achieving her lifelong dream lies not in the degree, but in keeping her promise to her father. “I kept my word, Dad. I made you proud,” he said.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-tro-thanh-tien-si-o-tuoi-69-tung-lam-lao-cong-giup-viec-2456629.html