LOSING both parents at an early age did not deter 24-year-old Shuhrukh Sumeer Alex Ali from achieving his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Mr Ali was among the 23 new lawyers admitted to the Bar at the High Court in Suva last week.
The former Marist Brothers High School student said it was a tough journey for him after losing both his parents.
“I always wanted to become a lawyer since it was my dream. This was from my high school days. My journey was a tough one as I lost my father in 2007 when I was in Year 7 and my mother passed away in 2014,” Mr Ali said.
“But with the support of my family, friends and especially my girlfriend Jessica, I was able to achieve what I have done now.
“My mother always wanted to see me become someone in life. Most of the time I spent my time with my mother so when she passed away, it was a tough experience for me.
“But I always wanted to make her dream come true. Becoming a lawyer was not only my dream but it was for my mum as well. She must be watching from above and it is a very emotional day for me.
“This admission is for my mum and my entire family. She was the woman who had always motivated me.”
He said his inspiration was Justice Jiten Singh.
“He is one of the senior lecturers at the University of Fiji. He has been more like my father and has guided me.
“I also want to thank Prof Shaista Shameem in guiding me to become a better person in life.”
Mr Ali plans to move into private practice.
His message to other young aspiring lawyers is to always pursue their dreams and to stay optimistic in life.
