Oullematu Jalloh, former winner of AYV Miss University 2018 and past President of the Sierra Leonean Students Society in Cyprus, has graduated with high honours in Nursing from Cyprus International University—bringing to a close an extraordinary academic journey shaped by setbacks, determination, and faith.
Her achievement comes after years of interrupted studies and personal struggles, tracing a path from media dreams in Sierra Leone to a nursing degree earned overseas.
Dreams Interrupted, but Not Destroyed
Jalloh began her academic pursuit in 2017 at Limkokwing University in Sierra Leone, studying Broadcasting and Journalism. However, in 2019, her studies were cut short when the institution shut down due to government intervention, leaving her education in limbo.
“It was painful,” she told Salone Messenger. “Everything I had worked for vanished. The silence was loud. The delay was heavy.”
Determined not to give up, she later enrolled at Milton Margai Technical University to study Public Administration. But before she could complete the programme, she received an opportunity to study abroad—and took it.
Starting Over, Again
Relocating to Cyprus, Jalloh made another major shift, this time into Nursing—a field she had no academic background in.
“I had no biology, no chemistry, no clue. I felt like I was drowning in deep waters without a life jacket,” she said.
Her time in Cyprus was marked by financial hardships, mental health challenges, and even academic failure. At one point, she lost a semester after falling victim to a fraudulent scheme. But through it all, she pressed forward.
Leadership and Advocacy
While studying, Jalloh remained actively engaged in student leadership and advocacy. She served as President of the Sierra Leonean Students Society in Cyprus from 2022 to 2023 and now acts as an advisor to the group. As Miss University, she previously led national campaigns to protect vulnerable children and girls in Sierra Leone—a passion that now shapes her career ambitions in nursing.
“I love children deeply. I dream of founding a centre to care for sick and vulnerable kids one day,” she said.
“A Resurrection, Not Just a Graduation”
Graduating in 2025 with high honours, Jalloh described the milestone as a symbol of resilience, not just academic success.
“This isn’t just a graduation. It’s a resurrection,” she said. “Every smile you see is backed by tears, sacrifices, and scars—but also by grace.”
A Message to Others
To young people facing delays or uncertainty, her advice is simple: keep going.
“Delays are not denials. Detours are not dead ends. Just when you think it’s over, God steps in. He did it for me. He’ll do it for you.”
Oullematu Jalloh’s story is one of perseverance and hope—a reminder that purpose can be found on the other side of pain.
