At 72 years old, Divendra Prasad Sharma has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a Certificate IV in counseling, a goal he has pursued for many years.
His graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific marked not just the end of a course, but also a testament to his enduring dedication. Coming from a modest background as the eldest of nine children, Mr. Sharma’s aspirations for higher education were deferred after completing Form 6 when he chose to support his family by caring for his siblings.
Despite the challenges he faced, his dream of attending university persisted. Over the years, he took on various jobs, starting from Vinod Patel to driving buses, and eventually founded a successful taxi service. Throughout this journey, he maintained the hope that he would eventually return to education.
His daughter, who now teaches at USP, was a source of inspiration, watching her take advantage of educational opportunities reinforced his belief that it was still possible for him to achieve his dream. “Success comes with change,” he reflected. “I always had hope in my heart that one day, I would fulfill my dream of studying at USP.”
That moment arrived this year during the orientation week at USP’s Laucala Campus. Motivated by the lively academic environment and the realization that he had both the time and resources, Mr. Sharma took the bold step to enroll in the USP Pacific Technical and Further Education program, fully dedicating himself to his studies.
For him, the learning process felt effortless because of his passion. “If you do it with your heart, you won’t face any difficulty in doing what you want,” he stated. His accomplishment is a source of motivation not only for youth but also for peers who may have set aside their dreams.
“There are many who have the chance to study but don’t seize it. I wanted to make a change. If not yesterday, then today,” he emphasized. His simple yet impactful message for others is clear: “Education is everything. Try, and you can do anything.” He also encourages individuals his age, saying, “It’s just a matter of priorities. You can do anything, no matter your age.”
With his certificate proudly in hand, Mr. Sharma feels fulfilled and has no plans for further academic pursuits. For him, this achievement marks a significant conclusion to a journey demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams.