By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma Esq.

Growing up, my parents wanted me to become a medical doctor. Deep inside, even at a very early age, I knew that path was not meant for me. Not that it wasn’t a good profession, but several factors stood in the way—I couldn’t withstand the sight of blood, and I disliked subjects like mathematics, which were essential for the sciences. Ironically, I failed English during my BECE exams but managed to pass mathematics, thanks to the support of a dedicated home teacher.

In 2009, when I first gained the requirements for university, I initially considered Peace and Conflict Studies. But my constant habit of listening to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone Radio became the greatest turning point of my life. It was there that I developed my deep love for journalism, radio, and broadcasting—greatly inspired by voices like the BBC’s Umaru Fofana and Samuel Valcarcel, who is now a colleague in the legal profession. They shaped my resolve to pursue journalism.

I remember vividly the day I was about to enter Fourah Bay College. I told my father I wanted to become a journalist. He wasn’t happy about it—his concern was that I might be killed or harassed because of the nature of the profession. But I explained to him that it was a career I loved and felt passionate about, and I pleaded with him to let me follow my dream. Though reluctant, he allowed me.

I sat the entrance exams and passed with a strong grade, scoring over 50 marks. From there, I began working with the college’s Teaching Radio Station, first as a disc jockey, then later as the presenter of its renowned CTN at 6 program. That experience sealed my journey into journalism.

It has been nothing short of passion, self-belief, hard work, and Allah’s grace upon me. Today, my father and my parents are super proud of me, as I have made the Koroma family proud—winning several prestigious awards both locally and internationally. I have written dozens of stories that appeared on the fourth-largest news wire in the world, Efe (Spain’s International News Agency), and I have contributed to global outlets like The Washington Post, to name a few.

Now, I work as a Barrister and Solicitor with Tanner Legal Advisory. It has been nothing but my passion driving me to do more and to become a better human being—not only to myself and my family but also to the community where I grew up in Kissy.

One thing I have consistently told my peers is this: passion is the fuel to success.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)