Jamil Suleman’s journey from a challenging upbringing to professional success demonstrates the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. Raised in an unstable home environment, Jamil faced numerous emotional hurdles but remained committed to his goals.
Originally from Nadi, he moved to Suva at the age of 14 in 2014 and has since embraced the city as his home. His childhood was fraught with difficulties, including constant family conflicts and a lack of emotional support, which left him feeling insecure and suffering from low self-esteem. Jamil also felt the pressure of high academic expectations, leading to anxiety and feelings of isolation among his peers.
Throughout his struggles with mental health, Jamil turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking cigarettes and marijuana during his high school years and found himself in the company of individuals who were involved in wrongdoing. Economic difficulties further complicated his situation, creating a sense of hopelessness regarding his future.
Despite these challenges, Jamil’s love for animals initially inspired him to pursue a career in veterinary science. However, he later transitioned to journalism and social work at the University of the South Pacific after receiving a scholarship. His academic journey was marked by extracurricular engagement and a determination to further his learning, culminating in a degree in 2021 and a postgraduate diploma in social policy in 2022.
Jamil faced numerous obstacles along the way, including managing a heavy workload alongside part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. He learned to develop effective time management skills and sought support from his family and friends, as well as university counseling services.
Graduating was a profoundly emotional experience for him, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Jamil attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family, particularly his parents, Janiff Suleman and Emeli Dimoro, and his younger brother, Jordan Suleman.
In his spare time, he enjoys mobile gaming, which he finds helps him unwind, and reading MANGA comics, which broadens his perspective. Looking ahead, Jamil hopes to open a small restaurant as a side business while pursuing his career as a communications officer and dreams of homeownership in the future.
He encourages younger generations to embrace resilience and adaptability, reminding them that setbacks are integral to growth and should be viewed as opportunities for learning. Currently, Jamil works as an assistant information officer with the Department of Information.