Maltese personality Pierre Portelli and his daughter Katrina had an extra special celebration this week - with both of them graduating at the same time. Pierre graduated, after 25 years since getting his bachelors, with a masters in media and communications, while Katerina got her advocacy masters. 

Speaking to University of Malta during their graduation - both donning the ceremonial togas - the two discussed the times they had studying, how they did it — and what the future brings for them.

<> In terms of workspaces, Pierre’s was the most chaotic, saying he thrives in a sense of messiness, unlike Katerina. However, the opposite is true when it comes to cooking. 

During their masters, the Portellis both learnt a lot from each other.

“I managed to see Katrina struggle during her studies like we all do, but seeing her doing her internship and working full time shows me how serious she takes on her tasks, and that fills me and her mother with so much pride,” Pierre said.

“I think I got that from them. What I think I learnt from my dad from this time studying, is to keep going,” Katrina added.

Asked to impart some advice, both had a lot to say.

“I learnt from [Pierre] to keep going, always be courageous no matter what people say and just go for it,” Katrina said.

“Don’t let anything bring you down,” Pierre finished.

Pierre Portelli works in TV production and media, and was the former head of media company Media.Link.