Jamil Suleman’s journey demonstrates that growing up in an unstable environment doesn’t dictate one’s future. Fueled by self-confidence and strong familial values, Suleman has overcome numerous challenges and has found success. Now, as the older sibling in a family of two, he continues to strive for excellence.
Suleman identifies with Nadi, where he lived until he relocated to Suva at age 14 in 2014. His childhood was marked by difficulties, notably family conflicts and a lack of emotional support that contributed to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. The academic pressure from both his parents and himself created a constant fear of failure, leading to significant stress and mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression.
To cope during high school, Suleman turned to smoking cigarettes and marijuana and associated with those engaged in questionable activities, seeking a sense of belonging. Economic hardships added another layer of stress, fostering feelings of hopelessness about his future.
Despite these obstacles, Suleman’s love for animals drove him initially to pursue veterinary science. However, he eventually transitioned to studying journalism and social work at the University of the South Pacific, aided by a scholarship. In 2021, he graduated and soon afterwards completed a postgraduate diploma in social policy by saving his allowances from the scholarship.
Throughout his studies, Suleman juggled a heavy workload alongside extracurricular activities and part-time work, leading to overwhelming stress. By developing effective time management skills and utilizing planners, he learned to prioritize tasks. He also reached out to family, friends, and university counseling services when times got tough, which helped him maintain focus on his studies.
Graduating was an emotional milestone for Suleman, representing years of dedication and hard work. The support from his family, particularly his parents, Janiff Suleman and Emeli Dimoro, was instrumental in his achievements, as was the encouragement from his younger brother, Jordan.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Suleman enjoys playing mobile games to unwind and finds value in strategic thinking through gaming. He is also passionate about reading MANGA, which broadened his understanding of various genres and offered an escape into different narratives.
Looking ahead, Suleman aspires to open a small restaurant while building a career as a communications officer. He aims to create a modern establishment that can generate additional income, hopefully allowing him to save for a house and possibly settle down in the future.
His advice to younger generations centers on resilience and adaptability. He encourages them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than discouragement. Currently, Suleman serves as an assistant information officer with the Department of Information.