Sacrifice paid off for couple

It was a double celebration for teaching couple Shalvin Kumar and Sheema Lata at the University of the South Pacific graduation in Suva last Friday.

Mr Kumar, 29, achieved his Bachelor of Arts (Law) while his wife Ms Lata, 26 received her Master of Arts (Education).

For the duo, seven years of marriage and pursuing success together has demonstrated that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

“We both have balanced roles since we both teach at the same school. I can say my wife did most of the household chores to allow me time to study law,” Mr Kumar said.

“We studied online so things were not that easy, especially managing our work life and studying. It was worth the sacrifice.”

While the challenges were many, the expectations of the couple remained firm as they had a clear chance of achieving the best.

Mr Kumar and Ms Lata both teach English at the Seaqaqa Central College.

According to Mr Kumar, there was so much criticism about his pursuing his law studies.

“I previously graduated with Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Certificate in Education, with this, I received a lot of negative comments about pursuing a different study at this age,” he said.

Mr Kumar in his initial degree majored in Literature Language and Geography.

“Actually it was my dream to be a lawyer but unfortunately due to no scholarships available at that time; I took up the education degree course.

“I graduated as a teacher; as soon as I started earning I started my law degree course.

“There were a lot of fuss about my diverting to law; amidst all this, I didn’t consider those words, I pursued my dreams, and graduating with my law degree has proven that anything can happen if the heart is willing.”

Mr Kumar plans to further his studies pursuing a master in law while his wife plans to move to Dubai to teach there.

He aspires to be a criminal lawyer.

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