Shyyal Kumar credits her strong mindset to the firm yet caring guidance of her parents. The 24-year-old recently marked a major milestone by earning her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the South Pacific in Suva last month.
This achievement brings her closer to realizing her goals, though she remains grounded and recognizes the obstacles she faced on her journey. Shyyal recalls the long nights dedicated to completing assignments and reviewing lecture materials. She reflects on the sacrifices of being away from her family and friends in her hometown of Nadi.
She described her graduation moment as “surreal” when she received her diploma. “The four years of studying were tough, especially moving to Suva, which was a significant adjustment. There was a lot of pressure associated with stepping out of my comfort zone and adapting to a new setting,” she shared.
Shyyal attributes her success to her supportive parents. “They were always there for me during tough times, whether I was worried, depressed, or feeling lonely. They never pressured me into becoming a lawyer; the decision has always been mine,” she explained.
“Being a girl from Votualevu, moving to Suva was a big change for me. Managing everything on my own was challenging, but I was reassured by the knowledge that my parents were always there for me.” She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel very honored and blessed because it’s all due to my parents and their hard work and love.”
As she aims to be the first lawyer in her family, Shyyal is determined to make her parents proud. She hopes to join the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution as a criminal lawyer, acknowledging the complexities and commitment required in the profession. “Fiji needs more good criminal lawyers, especially with the increasing crime rates. We must work towards fairness and justice,” she emphasized.
With her degree completed, Shyyal is eager to pursue her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) and gain admission to the bar. She encourages aspiring young lawyers in Fiji to stay focused on their goals. “Consistency and dedication are key. You must give your best effort, always,” she advised.