By Iretiola Doyle
I always knew that I was set for international acclaim; I just always assumed that it would come via my prowess as an actor. That’s not far from the truth today; I just didn’t realise that it would take this long and that so many other things would happen along the way.

Back then the choices (at least for me) were straight forward – hold out, and be single minded in my pursuit of being a ‘star actress’ (and possibly die of starvation in the process); or get a job or another skill that would pay the bills till that dream came to fruition.

I chose the latter. I was too old and had too much to do and catch up on to take that risk. I started from the bottom up. Lugging around equipment, running errands and generally being useful wherever an extra pair of hands were needed.

As my skills grew I moved from behind the camera to the front and that is how my journey in broadcasting began. About two years after graduation I was producing and presenting my own show.

It didn’t matter that it had a successful ten year run, or that from there I got head hunted to present other A list shows and went on to become a successful public speaker; it was a job… that paid the bills…well. Yeah, I was ‘professionally’ trained; I just didn’t see it as my ‘profession’.

Oh, I’d scribbled in ‘broadcaster’ on dotted line (it seemed easier) when necessary, but it was something I occupied myself with till the next meaty role came along even though I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

International recognition comes along and no, its not from ;Hollywood’ like I thought it would be but rather from the US State Department for individuals who are considered to have excelled in the area of broadcast journalism. It was humbling and gratifying to be considered amongst the best across the African continent in a career I pursued more out of desperation than desire.

It just  shows  that you can find treasure in the least expected places it’s great to have a set destination in mind when embarking on a journey to serve as one’s compass; at the same time one shouldn’t hesitate to explore the unknown pathway, as you never know where they might lead.

Personally, it’s been an interesting year and as it draws to an end and I look back at the milestones… this stands out for me. The beautiful part is, that it was a gift, something not expected nor consciously strived for; and I have Dr Ola Balogun  to thank for presenting me with this great opportunity. .. Thank you Sir.