Three generations, one stage: Single mum graduates with daughter and sister

A single mother from Lautoka who juggles teaching, lecturing and raising four children graduated alongside her daughter and sister at the University of the South Pacific's Laucala Campus graduation on Thursday.

Ajeshni Sharma, 40, an early childhood teacher at Saru MGM in Lautoka and part-time lecturer at USP Pacific TAFE, graduated with a Diploma in Counseling, her second USP qualification after completing a certificate last year.

"I am a single mother with four kids and I am looking forward for all my children to stand where I am standing today," she said.

Standing beside her was her daughter, Akansha Kumar, 22, who graduated with a Certificate IV in Business Administration while working eight-hour shifts at Vinod Patel.

"I dedicate this to my mom because she struggled hard to make us achieve," Ms Kumar said.

Ms Sharma's sister, Kriti Chand, 36, also graduated with a Diploma in Counseling alongside them, completing the rare family triple.

"I really feel awesome, proud," Ms Sharma said. "I can see my sister is also graduating with me and my daughter as well."

Her message to other single mothers was clear: "Never discourage and always move forward. And you will always succeed in your life."

Ms Kumar, who attended Pandit Vishnu Deo Memorial College and Tilak High School in Lautoka, said she plans to continue studying toward a diploma, bachelor's degree and eventually a master's.

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