At the age of 72, Divendra Prasad Sharma has proudly earned a Certificate IV in counseling, bringing to fruition a dream that has been decades in the making. His achievement, celebrated during the graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific, symbolizes a journey marked by perseverance and determination.
Growing up as the oldest of nine children in a low-income family, Mr. Sharma’s aspirations for higher education were sidelined after completing Form 6. Instead of continuing his studies, he assumed the responsibility of caring for his siblings and supporting his family.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the aspiration to pursue university education remained alive within him. Over the years, Mr. Sharma engaged in various jobs, from working at Vinod Patel to driving buses, ultimately establishing a successful taxi business. Nevertheless, he always held on to the hope of furthering his education.
His daughter, now a lecturer at USP, played a significant role in motivating him to keep the dream alive. Observing her and others seize educational opportunities ignited his belief that he still had time to realize his ambitions. “Success comes with change,” he remarked, and he maintained hope in his heart for attending USP.
Earlier this year, during orientation week at the Laucala Campus, Mr. Sharma was inspired by the dynamic university environment and the realization that he had the means to pursue his education. He took the leap and enrolled in the USP Pacific Technical and Further Education program, fully committing to his studies.
For Mr. Sharma, the academic journey was not arduous, as he approached it with passion. “If you do it with your heart, you won’t face any difficulty in doing what you want,” he stated.
His accomplishment serves as a beacon of inspiration for both younger individuals and peers of his age who may have abandoned their aspirations. “Many people have the opportunity to study but don’t seize it. I wanted to inspire change. If not yesterday, then today,” he expressed.
His message to others is clear and impactful: “Education is everything. Try, and you can do anything.” He encourages those in his age group by stating, “It’s just a matter of priorities. You can do anything, no matter your age.”
With his certificate in hand, Mr. Sharma considers this achievement the concluding chapter of a transformative journey, proving that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams.