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Bridging the Gap: The Power of Generational Diversity at UM

As May comes to an end, we would like to close our “Different Journeys, Shared Belonging” campaign by dedicating the final week to another key pillar of our University identity: generational diversity.

Embracing multiple age groups within a community leads to a richer exchange of ideas, enhanced mentoring and improved problem-solving. The concept of generational diversity comes to life through the stories of our students who have chosen to begin or return to their studies later in life, showing that the so-called “age gap” is in fact a bridge to mutual growth.

We have gathered the testimony of a student who began university at the age of 50:

'Studying Criminology at the University of Malta full time at the age of 50 was no piece of cake. As the second-eldest in a cohort of 55 students with an average age of 23, I bridged a stark generational gap. Our rich life knowledge and real-world examples enriched younger peers' learning, while they sharpened our grasp of fast-evolving tech strategies. Mature students like me engaged more interactively with lecturers, fostering dynamic discussions.

Despite the divide, we integrated seamlessly, adapting to the torrent of information generated collectively—proving diversity fuels academic growth and unity.' - Daniella Zammit

'I graduated in 1995 from what was then the Faculty of Architecture, earning my degree as an Architect and Civil Engineer. In those days, research required physically visiting the library, flipping through countless architectural journals, and immersing oneself in ideas on design, technologies, and materials. I vividly remember booking time slots to scroll through hundreds of microfiche, using specialised readers to access newspaper articles and historical records.

Today’s students — including my son, now in his second year of his bachelor’s degree — experience a very different reality. They may not fully appreciate the value of resources such as HyDi, which represents a significant advancement in access to information. While I remain someone who prefers pencil and paper, I recognise that digital tools are among the greatest assets available today.

Beyond academics, the social environment has evolved significantly. The university population has grown not only in size but also in diversity, creating a vibrant and dynamic campus. It now feels alive throughout the entire day. Facilities such as the library and Students’ House remain open into the evening, allowing part-time students like myself to feel more connected to campus life.

Balancing work, family life, and studies is certainly not easy. Nevertheless, I would encourage anyone — especially those who, like me, have been away from university for many years — to rediscover the joy of learning. Finding a subject of interest and pursuing it through further study at the University of Malta can be an incredibly rewarding experience.’ - Michelle Piccinino

Today marks the conclusion of our journey through the students’ testimonies at the University of Malta. We would like to sincerely thank all the students who took part and shared their experiences.

Each voice has contributed to a deeper understanding of the many different paths within our university community.

These reflections have reminded us that diversity in all its forms enriches learning, strengthens connections and helps create a more inclusive academic environment.