Motivation

Motivation Letter

Young people are shaping the world. We are 1.8 billion. 1.8 billion dreams, 1.8 billion ideas, and 1.8 billion actions.

Dearest SLEMSians,

What a journey it has been!!

In November of 2015, if anyone would’ve told me that I will come thus far in Med school related politics, I would have certainly considered that to be an overstatement, for a skinny kid raised by a single mum, who grew up and spent his entire life prior to college in the Eastern part of Freetown, such a dream was so far fetched. Now don’t get me wrong, I left high school as the star pupil of my era, a senior school prefect, the best graduating student of my time, the head of publications for the school speculum press, and have always been of the firm conviction that change is created when people with visible and implementable ideas, positive momentum and right work ethics are given the mantle of leadership devoid of sentiment. But as with every other freshman that have gained admission into Med school, I came with the premeditating idea that you come to read books, make good grades and graduate top of your class, with extra curricular including student related politics reserved for students in other areas of studies. Seven (7) years on, I am more than proud to say that SLEMSA and IFMSA have not only changed my perception, but have mounded my character into one which I never imagined upon my arrival. This I must say is a lifetime honor.

I am Alhassan Arsha Barrie, a proud household name of our beloved NMO, IFMSA-Africa and COMAHS at large. Describing myself as a modern day medic, I very much believed in the positive impact of people’s lives via the diverse applicable means available in today’s world, ensuring that the younger generation is much more motivated and capacitated, a vivid representation of our association and federation’s objectives through capacity building. I have always been a people’s person, a team player, an extrovert who cares deeply, and an inspiration to many. These virtues have resulted in well established relationships between myself and colleagues, as well as with partners (nationally and internationally) from all walks of life. Relationships which we will use to impact lives and broaden our working spectrum in the nation’s health sector.

I have lived and breathed SLEMSA. From becoming the 1st SLEMSIAN to put the Green white and blue on the official Medical student magazine for Africa, to representing “salone” at 3 International General assemblies, 2 Regional meetings, and many external events both Nationally and internationally. I have certainly seen it all, given it all, and lived it all. Rest assured that it can only get better from here!

Academia has always been an important aspect of my life. This has clearly manifested in the past 6 years of study, maintaining a great academic score, despite my involvement in countless other activities; an achievement that is based solemnly on the idea that I need endless self- evaluation of my activities more than how I need endless teaching and learning. If we have crossed paths, you would describe me as a very intelligent, motivated, talented, disciplined, creative and diverse individual who always strives for excellence in whatever he sets his soul on,an integral part of who I am and who I have become.

As much as education plays a significant role in my life, extra curricular has always remained a major entrenched fiber in my DNA. I have been involved in a series of maneuvers ranging from the cultural history, politics and languages of countries and global health policies, to the modern dynamism of our rapidly growing world. These extracurriculars have over the years served as a buffer between career path and passion. These qualities I believe will be of utmost relevance in serving in such a capacity as we strive to change the face of our association and our country as a whole.

Serving our beloved SLEMSA all these years has been a lifetime privilege. 7years on, despite several requests in the past from members to run for office, I wholeheartedly believe that the time can never be right as it is now. This is an opportunity to not only expand our horizons while doing something I love, but a once in a lifetime honor to serve as your leader and be able to impact Sierra Leonean lives while building the capacity of our future physicians.

Here I am; standing as one, but with 10,000 stories. 10,000 ideas, 10,000 dreams, and 10,000 actions to change the trajectory of SLEMSA for good.

Let’s make History together!

Alhassan Arsha Barrie The Gentle Genius! #ChangeMaker