Shalvin Kumar and Sheema Lata, a teaching couple, celebrated a significant milestone at the University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony in Suva last Friday. Mr. Kumar, 29, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Law, while his wife, Ms. Lata, 26, received her Master of Arts in Education.
Their journey together over seven years of marriage has exemplified the idea that education is a continuous endeavor. Mr. Kumar acknowledged the balance they maintained, particularly admiring his wife for managing most of the household responsibilities, which afforded him the time to focus on his law studies. “We studied online, so it was quite challenging to manage both our work and education, but the effort was worthwhile,” he stated.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the couple remained committed to achieving their goals. Both teach English at Seaqaqa Central College. Mr. Kumar shared that he encountered skepticism when he decided to pursue law studies after previously earning a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Certificate in Education.
With his earlier degree concentrating on Literature Language and Geography, he expressed that becoming a lawyer had always been his dream. However, due to the lack of scholarships at that time, he opted for an education degree. “Once I started earning, I decided to pursue my law degree,” he explained.
Despite the negative comments regarding his shift toward law, Mr. Kumar stayed focused on his aspirations, and graduating with his law degree serves as proof that dedication can lead to achievement. He intends to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree in law, while Ms. Lata has plans to teach in Dubai. Mr. Kumar aspires to specialize in criminal law.