At the age of 72, Divendra Prasad Sharma has proudly earned a Certificate IV in counseling, achieving a dream that has been decades in the making. This milestone, celebrated at the University of the South Pacific’s graduation ceremony, represents not only the completion of his studies but also a testament to his lifelong commitment to perseverance.
As the oldest of nine siblings from a low-income family, Mr. Sharma’s aspirations for higher education came to a halt after completing Form 6. He instead took on the role of caretaker for his siblings and became the primary support for his family. Despite these challenges, Mr. Sharma retained the ambition to pursue an education. Over the years, he worked various jobs, from his early employment at Vinod Patel to driving buses, ultimately founding a successful taxi business.
His daughter, who is now a lecturer at USP, played a crucial role in inspiring him to keep his dream alive. Observing her and others making the most of educational opportunities fueled his belief that he too could continue his education.
“Success comes with change,” he expressed, affirming his hope that he would eventually study at USP. That opportunity arose earlier this year during the university’s orientation week at the Laucala Campus. Captivated by the dynamic university environment and aware that he finally had the time and resources, Mr. Sharma chose to enroll in the USP Pacific Technical and Further Education program, dedicating himself fully to his studies.
The experience was not challenging for him, 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 is a beacon of inspiration for both younger individuals and peers of his age who may have previously set aside their aspirations. “Many people have the opportunity to study but don’t take it. I sought to create a change. If not yesterday, then today,” he emphasized.
Mr. Sharma’s message is both simple and impactful: “Education is everything. Try, and you can do anything.” He insists that for those in his age group, it is merely a question of priorities, reinforcing that age should not be an obstacle to achieving one’s goals.
With his certificate achieved and his ambition realized, Mr. Sharma does not plan to pursue further studies. For him, this accomplishment marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey, proving that it is indeed never too late to chase one’s dreams.