Jamil Suleman’s journey to success proves that resilience and a positive mindset can overcome adversity. Despite growing up in an unstable household, he rose above the challenges and achieved his goals.
The eldest of two siblings, Suleman has always prioritized self-belief and strong family values in shaping his path. He spent his early years in Nadi before relocating to Suva at the age of 14, where he has lived ever since.
Suleman faced significant emotional hurdles during his childhood due to constant family conflicts and a lack of support, which fostered an environment of insecurity and affected his mental health. He struggled under the weight of high expectations from both himself and his parents, leading to anxiety and stress that impacted his academic performance.
Recognizing the toll that mental health issues could take, he opted for unhealthy coping mechanisms during difficult times, including smoking cigarettes and marijuana, and associating with peers involved in negative behaviors. Economic strains compounded his difficulties, instilling a sense of hopelessness about the future.
Yet, the desire to care for animals motivated Suleman to pursue a career in veterinary science, although he later transitioned to studying journalism and social work at the University of the South Pacific after receiving an NTS scholarship. His commitment to education led him to graduate in 2021 and pursue a postgraduate diploma in social policy, which he completed in 2022.
Throughout his academic journey, he learned vital time management skills to juggle his studies, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. This experience taught him the importance of breaking down tasks into manageable parts and saying no to less essential commitments.
Despite the ups and downs, Suleman leaned on his family’s support network and utilized university counseling services during challenging periods. Graduating was a pivotal moment for him, symbolizing years of effort and dedication, and he derived immense pride from his achievement with gratitude toward his family and friends.
Currently employed as an assistant information officer with the Department of Information, Suleman dreams of opening a small restaurant in the next five years to generate additional income while pursuing a career as a communications officer. He hopes to achieve financial stability and possibly settle down during this time.
Suleman encourages the younger generation to embrace resilience and adaptability, emphasizing that setbacks are part of personal growth. He believes that maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges can lead to valuable learning experiences.