From movie dreams to academic glory, Bibi shares her story

Watching professionals in sharp suits on screen sparked a dream that has now placed Uzhmaa Zaafirah Bibi at the top of her school’s academic ranks.

The Kamil Muslim College Year 13 student, inspired by movies portraying life in big accounting firms, has set her sights on becoming an auditor after scoring 383 out of 400 in the Fiji Year 13 Certificate examination, the highest mark recorded at her school.

Her subject scores were:

• English: 92
• Pure Mathematics: 98
• Accounting: 96
• Economics: 90
• Computer Studies: 97

“I always wanted to work in a big firm and wear those fancy suits that I would see in movies, so I decided to do Accounting,” she said.

That early inspiration translated into discipline and long study hours, culminating in a result she said she never imagined achieving.

Ms Bibi said the academic year was filled with achievements she never imagined she would accomplish.

Ms Bibi plans to pursue Accounting and Information Systems at the University of the South Pacific as the first step towards her goal of becoming an auditor.

She said seeing her father’s proud smile after topping the examinations motivated her to push even harder.

The journey was not without setbacks. After finishing second at school in the Fiji Year 12 Certificate examination with a score of 370 out of 400, Ms Bibi said she struggled with low self-esteem.

“I had lost hope, but through the support of my family, teachers and friends, I decided to work even harder this year,” she said.

Her mother was her biggest source of motivation, constantly reminding her that anything is possible with persistence.

“My parents never stopped believing in me, and I am sure I will achieve my goals with them by my side,” she said.

Ms Bibi said her biggest challenge was sacrificing family time to focus on her studies.

“There was jeering and taunting from some peers, while others supported me to excel. A few were also there to put me down,” she said.

“I isolated myself to focus solely on my studies because that was more important than any meet-up or gathering. I took the criticism and turned it into motivation.”

She studied late into the night and woke up early to maximise her study time.

“My family used to worry that I was pushing myself too hard, but the results now show that the effort paid off,” she said.

Ms Bibi dedicated her achievement to her parents.

“I dedicate this achievement to my parents, who dedicated their lives to providing me with everything I wished for. This is my way of thanking them,” she said.

She also acknowledged her teachers for their guidance and support in nurturing students to believe in themselves.

Her mother, Zubeena Bibi, said she was overwhelmed with pride.

“I always believed in my daughter and expected her to do well, but her results still came as a surprise,” she said.

“Words cannot fully express how I feel. She has become one of the greats of Kamil and has forever cemented her legacy at Kamil Muslim College.”