Faisen I Manamko: Part 4

For this installment of our weeklong series on our region's elderly, Faisen I Manamko, KUAM News sat down with a grandfather who graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University of Guam at the age of 57.

"I am happy that I went through it and I am just happy to graduate and to get it done," explained Makisimino Veimau. He got it done  - at the age of 57, with five grown children, grandchildren, and after years working in construction and serving the country in the military. This month, he walked the stage at the University of Guam after earning his bachelor's degree in civil engineering. 

"There's always a lot of people amazed at how old I am to be in college and I am just telling them it is never to late to go back to school. We can just have the right mindset and just get it done," he said.

He says it was that easy for him. After moving from his home island of Tonga to the U.S., living and working in California then Georgia, he found his way to Guam and is now helping his two daughters get through college at his now alma mater, UOG. He shares this advice with younger people about pursuing your dreams no matter your age. 

"Sooner or letter you [might say] 'I should've done this or I should have done that.' We always ask that question not matter what. Do not wait for that day to happen, just get it done now so you do not have to ask yourself that in the future," he said.

He went back to school in 2015 and earned his associates degree from GCC and stay busy working in construction and coaching rugby and track and field. UOG says He now plans to pursue work in Guam where his skills specific to hydraulic systems can be used to improve Guam's roads.

He says he's grateful to complete a college education, but, "I am not new to that kind of work. I just understand it more now."

A reminder that gaining new perspective comes at any age.