21-year-old Marcus Jemarl Narayan who graduated today with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from The University of the South Pacific (USP), crediting his parents and church community for helping him overcome challenges, and stressing that this marks just the beginning of his academic and professional journey.
Through hard work and a strong drive for his passion, Narayan had already secured a position with international accounting firm, KPMG in January this year before graduating — a milestone he describes as a dream come true for an accounting student.
Originally from Suva, with paternal and maternal links to Ba, Kadavu, and Lau, Narayan says his parents’ strong support played a key role throughout his journey, adding that he often leaned on them during moments of struggle or when he felt overwhelmed.
He also identifies his father as his role model, describing him as a hardworking individual who consistently provides for the family adding the values and work ethic his father has demonstrated continue to influence how he approaches life.
Narayan adds that his parents constantly encouraged him to maintain balance in all aspects of life — not just academically, but also spiritually, physically and mentally.
Reflecting on his academic journey, he says being a student today comes with many distractions and temptations stressing balancing multiple commitments was one of his biggest challenges, particularly as he remained actively involved in his church youth group, which required careful time management and discipline.
Narayan says spending time with his youth group outside of church activities helped him unwind and manage stress, providing relief from the academic pressure.
Insert:Narayan on overcoming challenges 17th April
A former student of Gospel High School, Narayan says his interest in accounting began during his high school years, where he studied accounting and economics.
He shares that while he enjoyed watching crime documentaries, he developed a natural interest in working with numbers, particularly tasks like balancing financial statements and analysing assets, liabilities and equity.
Narayan told fijivillage News that transitioning from theory to practice has been both challenging and rewarding.
When asked what matters most to him, Narayan points to his faith, describing it as the foundation that has guided him throughout his life, from childhood through to university.
Despite facing difficulties, Narayan says he never considered giving up crediting this resilience to the values instilled in him from a young age to persevere and remain steadfast adding that during challenging times, he turned to prayer, scripture and conversations with family and church members for strength.
As a middle sibling, Narayan says graduating carries a sense of responsibility, especially knowing that his younger siblings look up to him.
He adds that his youngest sibling, currently studying overseas, has already congratulated him and continues to draw inspiration from his achievement.
Looking ahead, Narayan encourages other students whether graduating, currently studying or planning to enter university to persevere and rely on their support systems during difficult times.
He stresses the importance of identifying pillars of strength and turning to them when challenges arise.
Narayan also urges young people to continue spreading love, promoting peace and supporting others, and encourages them not to be limited by societal expectations but to pursue what they are passionate about.
As he begins his professional journey, Narayan remains grounded in the same values that carried him through university — faith, family and a commitment to growth.
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