From Squatter To A Harvard Graduate

Artika Narayan and her siblings used to sit in their neighbour’s front yard to watch TV as their little window to the world.

Her family didn’t have a television set and this was her only way to watch the local news and happenings around the world.

That was 30 years ago.

The experience inspired young Artika to travel the world, to do what she loved.

Mama’s Place, Caubati, then considered an informal settlement,  provided her the stepping stone to unlock her potential.

Today, the 38-year-old has come a long way from the little girl who watched the world from her neighbour’s television screen.

She attained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science from one of the world’s top universities, the esteemed U.S. Ivy League school – Harvard University.

She was among 9123 students who graduated in a three-day ceremony on Sunday.

“I feel happy to be the first female Fijian, from a squatter settlement in Fiji, to graduate with a PhD from a prestigious university in the world, ,” she said.

“I would like to thank the company that I work for, for this opportunity, my parents, siblings, colleagues and everyone who helped me in my life.”

Beginnings

Growing up, Ms Narayan was always a winning student despite being raised from humble beginnings.

Her father was a bus driver, and her mother was a kindergarten teacher.

It was her mother, her first teacher, both at home and kindergarten, who instilled the values of hard work and importance of education.

Her passion for computer programming began at the age of 13 when she replicated the snakes and ladders game.

From there, she knew what she wanted to do in life – computer programming and to become part of the gaming industry.

Seeing her interest in programming, her mother bought her first computer in Year 13 while at Rishikul Sanatan College, who was aptly a computer science student at the time.

It was bought from the money her mother had saved for many months.

Always a gifted student, Ms Narayan completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the South Pacific in Banking, Management and Computing.

She also did a diploma and high diploma in Software Engineering from Aptech Computer Education where she graduated with distinction and an outstanding student award which helped strengthen her knowledge.

She worked part-time as a lecturer in programming at APTECH and after hours she would tutor financially challenged students as a hobby.

After several years, she got her big break when she was granted a Skilled Visa to Australia where she was able to take her parents along.

Working off her passion for computers and making games, she has spent the last five years as senior software development and testing director at Aristocrat Leisure Limited in Sydney, where she is also involved in the mentorship programme.

Aristocrat Leisure Limited is one of the world’s top gaming companies based out of Sydney, Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

Ms Narayan has worked and created different games, a notable one being Choys Kingdom.

In addition to the Harvard degree, adding to her merit list, she also holds a Postgraduate and Master of Information Technology Degree fr­om Central Queensland University receiving the Dean’s Awards for Top Student of the Year.

Pillar

Thinking back and not one to forget who helped her along the way, Ms Narayan reminisced about how her brother, Amith, was another pillar in her life.

When they were younger, she was always mindful of her poor family background where they would sometimes find themselves struggling to find bus fare for school.

But it was her brother’s stories that made the walks home from school seem shorter on those occasions.

Ms Narayan’s advice­

Her advice to students, especially those living in the informal settlements, is to dream big.

“Strive to make it happen. No matter how hard life becomes, always smile and be around the light bringers, the magic makers, the world shifters, the game shakers. They challenge you, uplift you and expand you,” she said. “Be bold, think big; follow your own dreams and pursue them relentlessly.

“Life never comes easy, and challenges are always part of life, never give up.

“Hard work, dedication and education is the key to success and the most powerful weapon against poverty.”