Fariya Khan recently celebrated a significant achievement as she became the first member of her family to earn a journalism degree, marking a personal milestone that was made possible through divine guidance and family support. She was among the graduates of the University of the South Pacific in September.
Khan’s journey has been long and rewarding. Raised with strong moral principles and a commitment to personal ethics, she credits her upbringing for her current success. “My great grandfather was the son of an indentured laborer who went on to become a pioneer in Fiji’s bus industry and a heavyweight boxing champion,” she shared.
Currently residing in the city, Khan has a deep affection for her family farm in Sabeto, where she spent many weekends riding horses with her father and uncle. She recalls these experiences fondly, stating they helped shape her resilience and independence.
From a young age, her parents instilled in her the values of hard work and self-reliance. She admires her mother, who balanced a demanding job with family responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of education. Khan initially aspired to be a lawyer, but over time turned her focus towards journalism, a decision she stands by wholeheartedly. She believes journalists play a vital role in informing the public and influencing lives positively.
Throughout her studies, Khan faced various challenges but overcame them by maintaining a balanced life. Graduating after three years of dedicated effort left her feeling accomplished, with gratitude to her family and faith guiding her along the way. “If you put God first, anything is possible, even the most difficult challenges,” she emphasized.
In her spare time, Khan enjoys reading, baking, visiting her farmhouse, and horse riding. She also follows organizational and beauty content on TikTok. She encourages the younger generation not to procrastinate and to prioritize their goals while maintaining respect for their parents, a value she deems essential in Islam.