Jamil Suleman’s journey from a challenging childhood to success is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite growing up in an unstable household, Suleman has risen above adversity, grounded by strong family values and a belief in himself.
Today, Suleman, the elder of two siblings, has carved out a successful path for himself and continues to strive for more. “I consider myself from Nadi, as I grew up there until I moved to Suva at 14 in 2014. I have been living in Suva ever since,” he shared.
Suleman faced numerous challenges during his childhood, including unstable family dynamics marked by conflict and a lack of emotional support. This tumultuous environment contributed to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. He often felt overwhelmed by the high expectations placed on him academically, which intensified feelings of anxiety and fear of failure. “The stress from trying to meet expectations took a toll on my mental health,” he noted. He battled feelings of loneliness and sadness, struggling to connect with his peers.
Mental health issues were significant hurdles for Suleman. “Dealing with anxiety and depression without adequate support was incredibly difficult,” he said. During high school, he resorted to smoking cigarettes and marijuana as coping mechanisms, seeking comfort in the wrong crowd to feel included. Economic hardships also compounded his struggles, creating a sense of hopelessness about his future.
Despite these obstacles, Suleman found solace in his love for animals and initially aspired to pursue a career in veterinary science. However, he later shifted his focus to journalism and social work, encouraged by a scholarship to the University of the South Pacific. “I chose to study journalism and social work because I was awarded the NTS scholarship, and I wanted to avoid debt,” he explained.
At university, Suleman took on various extracurricular activities and graduated with a degree in 2021. He continued his education by completing a postgraduate diploma in social policy in 2022, funding it through his scholarship allowances. However, he faced challenges managing a heavy workload while balancing studies and part-time work. He developed effective time management skills, breaking down large projects into manageable tasks and learning to prioritize essential activities.
Though he encountered rough patches that affected his academic performance, Suleman drew strength from his support network, seeking help from family, friends, and counseling services. “Talking about my challenges helped me navigate through tough times and stay focused on my studies,” he said.
Graduating was a deeply emotional experience for Suleman. “It marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance,” he reflected. He acknowledged the significant role his family played in his success, expressing gratitude for their unwavering encouragement.
Suleman’s proud achievement was not solely his own but a celebration of the collective support he received along the way. “It was a moment of validation for all the late nights and early mornings,” he shared. “Graduating was a bittersweet moment—exciting for new opportunities but nostalgic for the journey.”
In his free time, Suleman enjoys mobile gaming, which helps him unwind and develop strategic thinking skills. He is also passionate about reading MANGA comics, where he explores various genres, enhancing his knowledge and creativity.
Looking ahead, Suleman hopes to open a small restaurant as a side venture while pursuing a career as a communications officer. “I think with a modern classy setup, it will do well,” he expressed. He also plans to save for a home and is open to settling down when the time is right.
His advice to the younger generation is to embrace resilience and adaptability. “Life is full of unexpected challenges, and having a positive mindset is crucial. View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow,” he counseled.
Currently, Suleman works as an assistant information officer with the Department of Information, continuing to build on his journey of growth and success.