A young woman from Nadi, Paiyaz Sharma, has turned her childhood dream into reality by becoming a lawyer, an achievement that emerged from the encouragement of a mentor during her upbringing at St. Mina’s Children’s Home. Recently admitted to the bar alongside 24 peers from the University of Fiji, Sharma’s journey to this milestone was marked by resilience and determination.
Reflecting on her inspiration to pursue law, she credits the director of the children’s home for seeing her potential and encouraging her to become a lawyer. This advice motivated her throughout her academic journey, and she faced considerable challenges along the way. Sharma often traveled from Nadi to Suva daily, waking up early to catch a bus at 3:30 AM, attending classes throughout the day, and returning home late at night. “Yes, I faced a lot of challenges,” she recalls, but her perseverance and commitment to her studies never wavered.
Despite the difficulties, Sharma emphasizes the importance of hard work, advising others to pursue their goals relentlessly. She acknowledges that the children’s home not only provided her with a stable upbringing but also paved the way for her education, nurturing her ambitions.
Sharma’s husband, Ronal Singh, praised her ability to balance her studies and family life. He noted her commitment and dedication, which have culminated in her achievement of becoming one of Fiji’s newest lawyers.
As she stands at this pivotal moment in her career, Paiyaz Sharma is still exploring her future professional path, ready to celebrate the fruits of her labor that began with a simple word of encouragement. Her story is not just one of personal success; it serves as an inspiration to many, particularly young women, to chase their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. The communal support and the power of belief can lead to remarkable achievements, as illustrated by Sharma’s inspiring journey.