At 69 years old, Vijendran is a testament that it’s never too late to step out of one’s comfort zone and embark on a new adventure.
“We should never stop learning. It could even be simple things like picking up a new skill or instrument. It keeps the mind active, and I think that’s what keeps us young,” Vijendran told FMT Lifestyle.
Although the learning environment had changed considerably since he graduated from dental college decades ago, Vijendran embraced the challenges with gusto.
He started his course in January 2022, with classes held online for the first two years before moving to physical classes in the third year. Although he adapted well to online learning, he shared that e-books aren’t his cup of tea.
“I still like physical books. I’ll read them first and search the internet afterward for additional information,” he said with a smile.
With classes taking up his weeknights and weekends, Vijendran planned his time well to ensure a balance between work and studies. He operates two clinics in the Klang Valley with his wife, Dr Usha Devi Balakrishnan.
Nevertheless, certain sacrifices had to be made. “I did not attend many family functions over the past three years,” he admitted.
There were also late nights as Vijendran burned the midnight oil to complete his assignments. And at the end of the first and second years, there were gruelling examinations.
“We had to answer three to five questions from 10am to 10pm. Each question required about 2,000 words,” he recalled.
Still, the support from his wife and their three sons kept him going. “They encouraged me a lot. My wife sent me to classes and picked me up. I can’t thank her enough.”
‘Be willing to learn’
His interest in law, he shared, started from a young age, when he would watch the US legal drama series “Perry Mason” on TV. He was also inspired by charismatic politicians with a background in law, such as the late Karpal Singh.
Yet, he was also drawn to medicine and dentistry, and opted to study the latter. Upon graduating, he never found the right time to pursue his interest in law.
“But it was always in the back of my mind. When the pandemic hit, it gave me a bit more time to think about it because we reduced our working hours,” he said.
Recognising that an opportune time had arrived, he took a leap of faith and enrolled at Brickfields Asia College for a law degree from the University of Hertfordshire.
“It was very doable, thanks to the way the programme was structured, and with help from the college, lecturers, and the availability of resources on the internet.”
With most of his classmates in their 20s, what was the experience like?
“They were very good and helpful at all times,” he said with a smile, adding that being with them made him feel even more energetic!
“Throughout my studies, I felt very strongly that school leavers or working adults should take a course in law, as knowledge of the law is very useful,” he added.
Indeed, completing a degree in his golden years has been an empowering experience for Vijendran. “It gives me the confidence that I can do much more.”
And in the future, he might consider enrolling for the Bar Professional Course, the next step to becoming a practising lawyer.
So, what does it take to be a successful student in one’s golden age? “Our attitude must be positive. You can learn something from everybody, even young people. So, be willing to learn.”
To other senior citizens who are considering a new pursuit, he shared: “Don’t think twice. Go ahead and do it. I’ve received messages from those older than me who said, ‘I’ve wanted to do certain things but hesitated. After seeing what you’ve done, I’m reconsidering.’
“I told them, ‘Go ahead, do whatever you want to do. You have nothing to lose.'”