64-year-old UST journalism student earns degree: 'It"s never too late to pursue unfinished dreams'

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Roberto Solis, 64, was among the journalism majors who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas as part of the Class of 2025 during a solemn investiture ceremony on June 9 in UST's España campus.

UST’s official student publication, The Varsitarian, reported this achievement on Monday.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Solis said completing his college degree after more than 40 years is a “personal victory” for him.

“I feel incredibly fulfilled and deeply grateful. Completing my college degree after many years is both a personal victory and a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue unfinished dreams,” he said, noting that the “journey wasn’t easy.”

“Every challenge made the achievement more meaningful. It’s a moment I’ll always treasure,” he added. 

Solis first enrolled in UST's journalism program in 1979 but had to pause his studies for a while to prioritize his work and other responsibilities.

Now that he has achieved his dream degree, the retired fur expert and fashion adviser plans to explore areas where he can combine his background in fashion and his academic interests, which include cultural studies and media. 

“I’m also open to mentoring younger creatives and possibly engaging in writing or research. Most of all, I want to live with purpose—at my own pace. Go back to travel (the world) without limitations,” he said. 

The former Tokyo-based singer hopes that people, despite their age, realize that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and start again.

“Whether you’re 25 or 65, your dreams are still valid. If my story can encourage even one person to go back to school or pursue a lifelong goal, then that would be the greatest reward of all,” 

Solis previously went viral after successfully defending his thesis titled "Fashion journalism: An analysis of stories on the SONA outfits from Aquino III to Marcos Jr. administration” in November 2024.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News