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 during the graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific, symbolizes his lifelong perseverance.
Mr. Sharma grew up as the eldest of nine children in a struggling household, which forced him to put his higher education aspirations on hold after completing Form 6. He took on the responsibility of caring for his siblings and supporting the family instead of pursuing further studies.
Despite the challenges he faced, the desire to attend university never faded. Over the years, he worked various jobs, starting from Vinod Patel, then driving buses, and ultimately founding a successful taxi business. Yet, he always held onto the dream of continuing his education.
His daughter, now a lecturer at USP, played a crucial role in inspiring him to keep that dream alive. Observing her and others capitalize on educational opportunities around them rekindled his hope. “Success comes with change,” he remarked, expressing his belief that he could still pursue his ambition.
Earlier this year, during the orientation week at USP’s Laucala Campus, the vibrant atmosphere motivated Mr. Sharma to take the significant step of enrolling in the USP Pacific Technical and Further Education program, fully dedicating himself to his studies.
For him, engaging with his coursework was not a burden; rather, it was a fulfillment of passion. “If you do it with your heart, you won’t face any difficulty in doing what you want,” he stated.
His success serves as a beacon of inspiration not only for the younger generation but also for older individuals who may have given up on their dreams. “Many have the opportunity to study but don’t take it. I wanted to bring about change. If not yesterday, then today,” he emphasized.
Mr. Sharma’s straightforward yet powerful advice to others is, “Education is everything. Try, and you can do anything.” He believes that age should not be a barrier and insists, “It’s just a matter of priorities. You can achieve anything, regardless of your age.”
With a certificate now in his possession and his lifelong dream realized, Mr. Sharma does not have any immediate academic plans. This achievement marks the final chapter of a journey that exemplifies the belief that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.