A few weeks ago, Fariya Khan was on cloud nine after she became the first in her family to attain a degree in journalism, a personal milestone she accomplished through divine help and familial support.
She was among the many students who graduated from the University of the South Pacific in September.
It was a dream that’s been a long time coming. Growing up, Ms Khan was grounded on virtues that extolled strong moral principles and personal ethics.
It was this background that catapulted her to where she is today.
“My great grandfather was the son of an indentured laborer who later became one of Fiji’s pioneers in the bus industry and Fiji’s heavyweight boxing champion.”
Ms Khan lives in city and has a special connection to her family farm in Sabeto.
“I love Sabeto so much because we have a farm up in the hills where I grew up. Almost every weekend I’d go up to our farm with my father and uncle and spend time horse riding…”
She said “it was the best experience for me”.
“It felt as if I was living a little part of my father’s life and I feel that experience has made me so much stronger. It gave me a mindset that I would be able to survive on my own.”
From a young age, Ms Khan was taught to be confident, independent and hardworking.
“I witnessed how hard my parents worked, especially my mum, who would work an eight-to-five job for six days then come home and look after the family.
“My mum would always tell me the importance of being independent and standing up for myself. I feel this has shaped me to be the bold person that I am today.
“She would also tell me to do well in school because attaining an education could take a person anywhere.”
The former Natabua High School student’s initial career aspiration was to become a lawyer, however, as time passed, that dream slowly faded.
She opted for a program that she hasn’t regretted to this day.
“I chose to study journalism, literature, and language because I believe journalists get to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“Whether reporting facts or presenting opinions, journalists aim to educate the public about important matters.”
She believes journos help people stay well informed about socio-economic and political matters that shape lives and communities.
“Journalism is a powerful profession that requires a relentless commitment to truth and the ability to clearly explain complex events to the public.
“As a journalist, you’ll have the opportunity to interview influential people, from politicians to celebrities, and be the first person to report breaking news, from political scandals to major sporting events. It’s like having a front-row seat to history.”
During the course of her studies, Ms Khan encountered a host of challenges but with some help, life at uni became enjoyable.
“I did have challenges, but finding the right balance was a key aspect of getting through university life.”
Ms Khan was speechless when she finally graduating after three years of hard work and commitment.
She said she felt like “taking a major step of my life”.
“My parents, my sister, my peers, and my friends were by my side through it all. But as everyone knows, no success is achievable without the mercy of God.
“If you put your God first, something which I did, anything in life is possible, even the most difficult of problems.
“If one starts their day with prayer and ends the same way, things will eventually fall in place for them. This is my belief that I will live by forever.”
Besides her new success and tight work schedule, the young graduate, indulges in her favourite hobbies during in her free time.
“I love to read, bake, visit our farmhouse and do horse riding. Another little secret about me is that I love to scroll through TikTok, it is a very interesting app if one uses it the right way.
“I also love to watch organisational, budgeting and make-up videos.”
Ms Khan advises the younger generation that “time and tide wait for no man”.
“If you have it on your to-do list, do it! It will not happen by itself if you do not start it.
“Always put God above everything, speak to him about the smallest difficulties and you will get through it with ease.
“Respect your parents, no matter the situation. In Islam, respecting parents is a fundamental principle that stems from divine command.”
