Jamil Suleman’s journey from a challenging childhood to professional success is inspiring. Despite growing up in a turbulent home, fueled by strong self-belief and family values, Suleman has proven that determination can lead to greatness.
Now a successful individual and the elder of two siblings, Suleman has continued to reach for new heights. He considers Nadi his hometown, where he lived until relocating to Suva at age 14 in 2014. His early years were marked by significant emotional hurdles, including family instability and the pressure of academic expectations.
Suleman recalls, “Family dynamics at home were far from stable. Constant conflicts and a lack of emotional support created an environment of insecurity and low self-esteem.” These challenges were compounded by high expectations from both his parents and himself, leading to persistent stress and anxiety.
He faced feelings of isolation and depression, sometimes turning to smoking as a coping mechanism. Economic difficulties further added to his struggles, creating a sense of hopelessness regarding his future.
Despite these obstacles, Suleman’s love for animals initially inspired him to pursue veterinary science. However, he later switched to studying journalism and social work at the University of the South Pacific, motivated by the opportunity of an NTS scholarship.
While at USP, he actively participated in extracurricular activities, ultimately graduating in 2021. His commitment to education didn’t stop there; he continued with a postgraduate diploma in social policy, graduating a year later. To finance his studies, he carefully saved his scholarship allowances.
Throughout his academic career, Suleman managed to juggle a demanding workload with part-time employment and extracurricular commitments. He learned to use effective time management strategies to cope with stress and maintain focus.
Graduating was a profoundly emotional experience for Suleman. He expressed immense joy and relief, crediting his success to the unwavering support of his family and friends. “Graduating was not just a celebration of my achievement, but of the collective effort and support of everyone who stood by me,” he shared.
In his leisure time, Suleman enjoys mobile gaming, which he finds helps with relaxation and enhances his strategic thinking. He is also a fan of MANGA comics, appreciating the different perspectives they offer.
Looking ahead, Suleman aspires to open a small restaurant while pursuing a career as a communications officer. He is focused on achieving his goals, emphasizing the importance of patience and hard work.
Suleman advises the younger generation to embrace resilience and adapt to challenges. He encourages them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Currently, he is working as an assistant information officer with the Department of Information. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of support in overcoming life’s difficulties.