Sharing Sierra Leone: Mamie's Story
Budget: $25 – $50 USD
My name is Mamie Massah. I was born on the 27th of September, 2001, in Sierra Leone, a beautiful country in West Africa filled with rich culture, kind people, and a deep history. I am the first child of my mother and the second child of my father. Being the firstborn daughter came with many responsibilities, but it also shaped me into the woman I am today. My story is not just about growing up and going to school—it’s a story of strength, sacrifice, purpose, and the journey toward becoming someone who truly wants to help others.
My Early Life
I grew up in a humble home. We didn’t have a lot, but we had love, we had faith, and we had each other. From a young age, I learned how to take care of my siblings, how to be patient, and how to be strong even when things were difficult. I helped my mother with housework, looked after my younger ones, and tried my best to do well in school.
One thing I remember clearly is how much I loved observing people. I liked sitting quietly and just watching how people behaved, how they talked, and how they reacted when they were happy or sad. I always paid attention to people’s feelings, even when they didn’t say anything out loud. Looking back now, I realize that this was the beginning of my passion for understanding the human mind and emotions.
My School Days
Education has always been very important to me. Even as a young girl, I took my studies seriously. I loved learning. I loved the idea that knowledge could open doors and help me become someone who could make a difference in my community. My favorite subjects in school were English, Literature, Social Studies, and Religious & Moral Education. These subjects made me think deeply about life, people, and society.
In school, I wasn’t the loudest student in class, but I was one of the most attentive. My teachers often praised me for being respectful, focused, and hard-working. I wasn’t just interested in passing exams—I wanted to understand the world and my place in it. I also became someone that others came to when they had problems. Even before I had any formal training, I was already offering advice, listening to people’s problems, and encouraging them to stay strong.
I believe that’s when I began to realize what I wanted to become: a counsellor.
Why I Chose Counselling Psychology
Choosing to study Counselling Psychology wasn’t a random decision. It came from a deep place in my heart. Growing up, I saw so many people—especially women and young people—going through emotional pain silently. Some were depressed, some were anxious, some had been abused or abandoned, and yet they had nowhere to turn for help. In my community, people rarely talked about mental health. They would say, “Just pray,” or “You’ll be fine,” but no one truly listened.
I wanted to be that person who listens. I wanted to be that safe place. I wanted to understand human behavior, trauma, emotions, healing, and growth. I wanted to help others the way I wished someone had helped the people around me. That’s why I chose this path.
University in Sierra Leone
After completing secondary school, I applied to a university in Sierra Leone to study Counselling Psychology. Getting into the university was a big step for me. I was proud, nervous, and excited all at once. My family was very supportive, even though things weren’t always easy financially. There were times when I didn’t have enough for books, transportation, or even food. But I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was not just studying for myself—I was studying for my future, for my family, and for my country.
In university, I learned a lot—not just from textbooks, but also from people. I met students from different backgrounds, and I listened to their experiences. I learned about emotional trauma, human development, psychological theories, and how to counsel people from different walks of life. I also volunteered in different community programs, helping young girls and women who had gone through difficult situations.
All of these experiences made me stronger and more confident in my purpose. But deep down, I wanted to go even further in my education. I wanted to sharpen my skills and learn from a broader African perspective. That’s when I decided to continue my studies in Ghana.
Studying in Ghana – A Life-Changing Experience
In 2019, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I traveled to Ghana to continue my education at the University of Ghana. Leaving home was not easy. I was leaving behind my family, my comfort zone, and everything familiar. But I knew that this step was necessary for me to grow.
When I arrived in Ghana, I was filled with mixed emotions. I was excited, but also scared. The environment was new, the people were different, and I had to start over from scratch. But gradually, I adjusted. I met kind friends, learned to navigate the campus, and settled into my studies.
At the University of Ghana, I studied Counselling Psychology more deeply. I took courses on mental health, grief, trauma, marriage counselling, youth development, and psychological assessments. I also had the chance to do internships and practical fieldwork, where I sat with real clients and applied everything I had learned.
One of my most memorable experiences was working at a women’s support center. I counselled women who had been through domestic violence, emotional abuse, and abandonment. Some cried during sessions, some remained quiet, but all of them carried deep pain. Being able to walk with them through their healing journey was powerful. I knew for sure that I was in the right field.
In 2021, I graduated. That moment was a dream come true. I had crossed many hurdles to get there—financial difficulties, emotional battles, and cultural challenges. But I made it. I became the first in my family to complete a university education abroad, and I was filled with pride, gratitude, and determination.
Coming Back Home with a Vision
After my graduation, I returned to Sierra Leone with a clear vision. I didn’t just want to sit in an office and work for a salary. I wanted to create something meaningful. I wanted to open a counselling and mental wellness center where people could come without fear or shame. I wanted to raise awareness about mental health, especially in schools, churches, and communities.
I also want to work with teenage girls—helping them build confidence, avoid peer pressure, and make wise life choices. Many girls are suffering silently. Some are depressed. Some have been abused. Some are lost. I want to reach them before it’s too late.
I’ve also started writing again. I believe that stories can heal. I want to write books, create plays, and maybe even short films that talk about real issues—things like depression, loneliness, heartbreak, peer pressure, trauma, and hope. I want to educate people through stories that touch the heart.
Who I Am Beyond My Work
Apart from psychology, there are many things I love. I enjoy cooking, reading, and watching African movies that reflect everyday life. I love listening to music—especially gospel and inspirational songs. I also enjoy spending time alone, thinking, praying, and dreaming about the future.
Spiritually, I believe that God is my foundation. There are times I could have given up, but prayer kept me going. My faith helps me remain humble, focused, and hopeful, even when things are tough.
I am a soft-hearted person, but I’m also strong. I may cry sometimes, but I don’t give up. I believe in treating people with kindness, respecting others, and always doing my best.
My Dreams for the Future
My biggest dream is to become a well-known African counsellor who is changing lives across the continent. I want to host workshops, speak at conferences, and one day even open a foundation that trains other young counsellors. I want to be the reason someone decides not to give up. I want to be the voice that tells people: “You are not alone.”
I also dream of one day building a mental health center in Sierra Leone that combines modern counselling techniques with African traditions. A place where people can come, breathe, rest, and heal. I want to train more people—especially women—to become counsellors, educators, and emotional caregivers.
In the long term, I would also love to travel to other countries, share my story, and collaborate with international mental health organizations. But no matter how far I go, I will always remember where I came from—Sierra Leone, the land that gave birth to my dream.
Final Words
I am Mamie Massah. I am a daughter, a sister, a dreamer, and a fighter. I am not perfect, but I am growing every day. My life has not been easy, but I am proud of how far I’ve come. I believe my journey is just beginning.
I want to be remembered as someone who brought light into dark places, someone who listened, someone who cared. This is my story—and it is still being written.
My Early Life
I grew up in a humble home. We didn’t have a lot, but we had love, we had faith, and we had each other. From a young age, I learned how to take care of my siblings, how to be patient, and how to be strong even when things were difficult. I helped my mother with housework, looked after my younger ones, and tried my best to do well in school.
One thing I remember clearly is how much I loved observing people. I liked sitting quietly and just watching how people behaved, how they talked, and how they reacted when they were happy or sad. I always paid attention to people’s feelings, even when they didn’t say anything out loud. Looking back now, I realize that this was the beginning of my passion for understanding the human mind and emotions.
My School Days
Education has always been very important to me. Even as a young girl, I took my studies seriously. I loved learning. I loved the idea that knowledge could open doors and help me become someone who could make a difference in my community. My favorite subjects in school were English, Literature, Social Studies, and Religious & Moral Education. These subjects made me think deeply about life, people, and society.
In school, I wasn’t the loudest student in class, but I was one of the most attentive. My teachers often praised me for being respectful, focused, and hard-working. I wasn’t just interested in passing exams—I wanted to understand the world and my place in it. I also became someone that others came to when they had problems. Even before I had any formal training, I was already offering advice, listening to people’s problems, and encouraging them to stay strong.
I believe that’s when I began to realize what I wanted to become: a counsellor.
Why I Chose Counselling Psychology
Choosing to study Counselling Psychology wasn’t a random decision. It came from a deep place in my heart. Growing up, I saw so many people—especially women and young people—going through emotional pain silently. Some were depressed, some were anxious, some had been abused or abandoned, and yet they had nowhere to turn for help. In my community, people rarely talked about mental health. They would say, “Just pray,” or “You’ll be fine,” but no one truly listened.
I wanted to be that person who listens. I wanted to be that safe place. I wanted to understand human behavior, trauma, emotions, healing, and growth. I wanted to help others the way I wished someone had helped the people around me. That’s why I chose this path.
University in Sierra Leone
After completing secondary school, I applied to a university in Sierra Leone to study Counselling Psychology. Getting into the university was a big step for me. I was proud, nervous, and excited all at once. My family was very supportive, even though things weren’t always easy financially. There were times when I didn’t have enough for books, transportation, or even food. But I never gave up. I reminded myself that I was not just studying for myself—I was studying for my future, for my family, and for my country.
In university, I learned a lot—not just from textbooks, but also from people. I met students from different backgrounds, and I listened to their experiences. I learned about emotional trauma, human development, psychological theories, and how to counsel people from different walks of life. I also volunteered in different community programs, helping young girls and women who had gone through difficult situations.
All of these experiences made me stronger and more confident in my purpose. But deep down, I wanted to go even further in my education. I wanted to sharpen my skills and learn from a broader African perspective. That’s when I decided to continue my studies in Ghana.
Studying in Ghana – A Life-Changing Experience
In 2019, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I traveled to Ghana to continue my education at the University of Ghana. Leaving home was not easy. I was leaving behind my family, my comfort zone, and everything familiar. But I knew that this step was necessary for me to grow.
When I arrived in Ghana, I was filled with mixed emotions. I was excited, but also scared. The environment was new, the people were different, and I had to start over from scratch. But gradually, I adjusted. I met kind friends, learned to navigate the campus, and settled into my studies.
At the University of Ghana, I studied Counselling Psychology more deeply. I took courses on mental health, grief, trauma, marriage counselling, youth development, and psychological assessments. I also had the chance to do internships and practical fieldwork, where I sat with real clients and applied everything I had learned.
One of my most memorable experiences was working at a women’s support center. I counselled women who had been through domestic violence, emotional abuse, and abandonment. Some cried during sessions, some remained quiet, but all of them carried deep pain. Being able to walk with them through their healing journey was powerful. I knew for sure that I was in the right field.
In 2021, I graduated. That moment was a dream come true. I had crossed many hurdles to get there—financial difficulties, emotional battles, and cultural challenges. But I made it. I became the first in my family to complete a university education abroad, and I was filled with pride, gratitude, and determination.
Coming Back Home with a Vision
After my graduation, I returned to Sierra Leone with a clear vision. I didn’t just want to sit in an office and work for a salary. I wanted to create something meaningful. I wanted to open a counselling and mental wellness center where people could come without fear or shame. I wanted to raise awareness about mental health, especially in schools, churches, and communities.
I also want to work with teenage girls—helping them build confidence, avoid peer pressure, and make wise life choices. Many girls are suffering silently. Some are depressed. Some have been abused. Some are lost. I want to reach them before it’s too late.
I’ve also started writing again. I believe that stories can heal. I want to write books, create plays, and maybe even short films that talk about real issues—things like depression, loneliness, heartbreak, peer pressure, trauma, and hope. I want to educate people through stories that touch the heart.
Who I Am Beyond My Work
Apart from psychology, there are many things I love. I enjoy cooking, reading, and watching African movies that reflect everyday life. I love listening to music—especially gospel and inspirational songs. I also enjoy spending time alone, thinking, praying, and dreaming about the future.
Spiritually, I believe that God is my foundation. There are times I could have given up, but prayer kept me going. My faith helps me remain humble, focused, and hopeful, even when things are tough.
I am a soft-hearted person, but I’m also strong. I may cry sometimes, but I don’t give up. I believe in treating people with kindness, respecting others, and always doing my best.
My Dreams for the Future
My biggest dream is to become a well-known African counsellor who is changing lives across the continent. I want to host workshops, speak at conferences, and one day even open a foundation that trains other young counsellors. I want to be the reason someone decides not to give up. I want to be the voice that tells people: “You are not alone.”
I also dream of one day building a mental health center in Sierra Leone that combines modern counselling techniques with African traditions. A place where people can come, breathe, rest, and heal. I want to train more people—especially women—to become counsellors, educators, and emotional caregivers.
In the long term, I would also love to travel to other countries, share my story, and collaborate with international mental health organizations. But no matter how far I go, I will always remember where I came from—Sierra Leone, the land that gave birth to my dream.
Final Words
I am Mamie Massah. I am a daughter, a sister, a dreamer, and a fighter. I am not perfect, but I am growing every day. My life has not been easy, but I am proud of how far I’ve come. I believe my journey is just beginning.
I want to be remembered as someone who brought light into dark places, someone who listened, someone who cared. This is my story—and it is still being written.
Related categories:
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counseling Psychology
Child Counselling
Marriage Counselling