From dawn to dusk: Nadi woman’s daily 3.30am bus ride pays off

Payaz Sharma travelled from Nadi to Suva and back every single day to complete her law studies, catching the 3.30am bus and returning home late at night.

The 24-year-old, who was raised at St Mina Children's Home in Nadi, was among 24 University of Fiji graduates sworn in as legal practitioners at the High Court in Suva last Friday.

Ms Sharma’s daily routine saw her board the early morning bus, arrive in Suva at 8am, attend classes by 9am, then catch the 4.30pm bus back to Nadi, arriving home at 9pm or 10pm.

“I used to catch the 3.30am bus in the morning, reach Suva at 8 o'clock, go to the class by 9,” Ms Sharma said.

She would sleep for just two hours before waking at 2am to repeat the journey.

“Sleeping for two hours, waking up at 2 o’clock and coming back to Suva,” she said.

The journey spanning Western and Central divisions became her sacrifice for education.

Ms Sharma credited Father Mark Attalla, director of St Mina Children’s Home, for inspiring her to pursue law.

“The director, Father Mark Attalla was the one who told me to become a lawyer. So I followed his footsteps,” she said.

The home supported her through primary and secondary education before she began her law studies.

Despite the gruelling travel schedule and numerous challenges, Ms Sharma remained determined.

“I faced a lot of challenges,” she said, becoming emotional during her admission ceremony.

Her husband Ronal Singh and mother-in-law Rohini Lata were present to witness her swearing in.

Looking back at her journey, Ms Sharma’s message to aspiring lawyers is clear.

“Do not leave any stone behind. Achieve your goals,” she said.

Her lesson learned: “Hard work does pay off.”

Ms Sharma’s future plans remain undecided as she considers options between government prosecution work and private practice.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj