For many adults, returning to school after decades away can seem daunting.
For Reena Ben, it became the turning point that restored her confidence and reshaped her future.
Raised in Toorak, Ms Ben attended Nehru Memorial School before moving to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School. While she completed her schooling, her results were modest, leaving her feeling discouraged and uncertain about her academic ability.
“I passed, but my marks were only just above the pass level, and I was never happy with them,” she said.
Despite her disappointment, Ms Ben entered the workforce and secured employment with Shanti Lal Brothers, where she worked as an office clerk and later an accounts clerk for several years. Over time, however, she realised that her earlier academic results were limiting her opportunities.
Determined to change her situation, Ms Ben sought a way to improve her qualifications. After being advised that she was above the age limit for conventional secondary school enrolment, she was referred to the Nabua Matua Secondary School program, which provides adults with the opportunity to continue their education.
The decision proved life-changing.
In 2024, after returning to formal schooling more than two decades after leaving high school, Ms Ben completed Year 12 and finished first in the annual examinations, earning a gold medal and the top academic award.
“For many years people remembered that I had not done well in school, and sometimes they made comments about it,” she said.
“Coming back and achieving this result showed me that nothing is impossible if you work hard.”
Although she had already pursued part-time studies at the University of the South Pacific earlier in life, like completing her foundation program with a strong academic record, she said improving her Year 12 results was a personal goal she felt compelled to achieve.
Family encouragement played a significant role in her journey, she said, providing the support she needed to balance work, responsibilities and study.
Now, Ms Ben is setting her sights on the next chapter: becoming a primary schoolteacher. She hopes to work with young students and help them build the confidence she once struggled to find.
“I want to help both the students who are doing well and those who are struggling, so that every child has the chance to succeed,” she said.
“If students are given the right guidance and support, no one needs to fail.”
Ms Ben also hopes her experience will inspire other adults — particularly women who may feel discouraged by past academic setbacks — to consider returning to education.
“It is never too late,” she said.
“If you have the ambition and are willing to work hard, you can change your future.”
