By patricia.ngevao@awokonewspaper.sl
Bo, SIERRA LEONE – For me, one’s first professional trip isn’t just about the destination or the agenda; it’s about the connections you make, the lessons you learn, and the memories that shape your journey forward.
Sure! Any aspiring professional, attending a key industry event for the first time can be both exhilarating and transformative. Such was the case with my journey to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bo City.
The anticipation that had been building for weeks came to a head as I woke up at 5:00 AM, filled with excitement, knowing this trip marked an important milestone in my journalism career. Stepping out of my house, the cool, humid air hit me, and I realized this moment was what I had envisioned ever since I began practising journalism two years ago. It wasn’t just another day; it felt like the beginning of a milestone in my journey as a journalist.
My morning started with a quick stop at the office for a meet-up with a senior colleague. Well…though it was not a routine, the stop carries extra significance, adding to the excitement of the day. One would not understand but the quick meeting allowed me to stay focused on the trip ahead.
I arrived at the pick-up point around 10:30 AM, expecting to see many of my fellow journalists already there since the bus was scheduled to leave at 11:30 AM. However, to my surprise, only four of us had shown up – myself, a junior member, one of the executive members, and two senior colleagues. It was a quiet scene, but I didn’t mind being early; punctuality has always been important to me, and I prefer to arrive ahead of time for any work-related commitment.
In truth, my early arrival could have also been due to a bit of excitement. I was eager to soak in the entire experience and being early felt like a small price to pay for the excitement. Although I knew there was still plenty of time before departure, the anticipation of this important event made me anxious to get started.
Upon my arrival at the pick-up point, I immediately started calling some of my close colleagues from other media houses, urging them to make their way to the venue. The thought of embarking on this long-awaited journey was thrilling, and I didn’t want anyone to miss out on the excitement.
Being the first to board the bus, I took the opportunity to secure seats for four of us. Naturally, I claimed my favourite spot next to the window, a prime seat for someone like me who enjoys observing the world outside while travelling. There’s something about watching the changing landscapes, the rhythm of the roads, and the movement of the people that captivates me every time. It’s a small detail, but for me, sitting by the window makes the journey much more enjoyable.
After reserving the seats by placing my belongings on them to mark our territory, I took a moment to relax. The bus was still quiet, and I had a little time before the others filled it up. So, I did what any excited traveller would do – I took out my phone and started snapping selfies. Capturing this moment felt important; after all, it was my first time attending SLAJ’s AGM, and I wanted to remember every bit of it, from the anticipation to the memories we’d soon create together.
As I continued taking photos, I could feel the atmosphere in the bus slowly building up with energy. After a few minutes of dialling and calling, at around 11:25 am, my persistence paid off as my colleagues began to arrive, one after the other, in response to my calls. More colleagues started showing up, both senior and junior journalists, each bringing their luggage along and the bus began to fill with familiar faces and conversations. The seats I secured for my friends remained reserved, and as they arrived, we greeted each other with excitement. Everything was falling into place, and it felt like the perfect start to what would undoubtedly be a memorable trip to Bo City.
Some of my colleagues, after securing their seats and placing their luggage in the designated area, came to me and asked for a favour. They entrusted me with the responsibility of ensuring their seats remained reserved while they stepped away for a moment. I felt a sense of pride in being asked to take on this task, as it showed that I’m being relied on – me. Despite my eagerness to socialize, I was happy to help.
Taking this responsibility seriously, I kept an eye on the bus and made sure no one tried to take over the seats that had been marked with luggage. It was a simple task, but it allowed me to feel more involved in the unfolding journey. I enjoyed watching my colleagues move in and out, laughing and sharing stories as they prepared for our adventure ahead. The atmosphere started to buzz with excitement as familiar faces filled the space. Some of them chose to sit with me, eager to chat, while others stepped outside the bus, likely to grab a last-minute snack, visit someone nearby, or simply enjoy the fresh air while waiting for the bus to fill up.
As the bus remained less than full, the scene felt relaxed and casual. It was a great opportunity for everyone to mingle and catch up before we hit the road. The chatter among us was lively, filled with jokes and stories about past events, and the anticipation of what was to come added to the overall camaraderie. This was not just a trip; it felt like a mini-reunion for journalists who often only crossed paths at events.
Eventually, as the bus neared capacity, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The energy in the bus was spreading, with everyone energetic about the upcoming SLAJ AGM. Once everyone settled into their seats, the excitement began to build further. Colleagues planned meet-ups and discussed topics related to journalism and the agenda for the AGM. The air was thick with anticipation as we all shared a common goal: to learn, connect, and make the most of this experience.
Just as I was soaking in the fun and snapping pictures, my boss gave me a call at 11:47. He asked me to document the journey and file a travelogue story. It was funny because I had considered writing about the trip earlier, but it was more of a passing thought. However, my boss’s call ignited a sense of purpose, and I immediately switched to work mode. Armed with my camera, I started capturing the moments around me, recording key highlights of the trip. It was both a fun and fulfilling task. With my camera in hand, I began capturing highlights of our trip.
From clear shots of colleagues laughing to group selfies, I was determined to create a visual narrative of our journey. One of the funniest moments happened when a close colleague and I found ourselves gently teasing another journalist about his outfit. He was dressed in a suit with a tight necktie, looking as though he was heading to a formal event rather than a casual trip. Meanwhile, most of us were in more relaxed attire, some wearing SLAJ polos. Though he looked sharp, it was a bit out of place for the laid-back atmosphere we had all embraced.
As we made light of the situation, my friend and I couldn’t resist commenting. “Sia, look at this guy,” my friend whispered, eyeing our formally dressed colleague. I burst out laughing, “Eeeh! Uncle, why you go put on coat? So na you alone serious, eh?” Our playful banter continued as we encouraged him to embrace a more relaxed dress code. “Oh yess, you for change the top!” I added, enjoying the light-hearted teasing. It was all in good fun, and we wanted to see a bit of uniformity among our group.
We couldn’t help but continually poke fun at him in a friendly way. With some good-natured encouragement, we convinced him to switch into something more casual, and he changed into his own SLAJ polo, matching the rest of us.
For me, it wasn’t about him being improperly dressed; in fact, he looked quite professional. But in that moment, we just wanted to see uniformity. The sense of togetherness that comes from looking like one cohesive group was important to us. Plus, the relaxed vibe of the trip felt more fitting for casual wear. Once he changed, it felt like we had succeeded in bringing everyone into the same spirit of the journey.
As the minutes passed, the bus continued to fill with more colleagues. Conversations flowed freely, ranging from lighthearted jokes to discussions about work. I continued to take photos, knowing these were moments worth remembering, not just for the travelogue, but for personal memories too. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the excitement of the upcoming trip all made it an experience to cherish.
Once the bus was nearly full, I noticed that everyone was settling into their seats and getting comfortable. Some were already diving into discussions about what we would learn at the AGM, while others, like me, were more focused on soaking in the moment. As I continued snapping pictures, I was also writing down key moments, ensuring I wouldn’t miss any details for my story.
As we prepared to embark on the road, I could feel a sense of unity in the air. Everyone was relaxed, in tune with the excitement of the journey, and ready for the adventure that awaited us in Bo City. My camera was still in hand, and I knew that this trip would offer plenty more stories to tell, both personally and professionally.
At around 12:05 pm, the bus finally set off, passing through Sanders Street and heading into the east end of Freetown. There were over 40 journalists onboard, all in high spirits. We made a brief stop at Coker Street to pick up another journalist, and another stop at Jui for a quick food break. During this time, several of us stepped off the bus to stretch our legs and buy snacks for the road. Once everyone was back, the journey truly began as we left behind the bustling Freetown city, passing by houses, tollgates, and small villages that gave way to more rural scenery.
As we ventured deeper into the countryside, the atmosphere inside the bus shifted. At first, most of us, including my chatty friends, dozed off, exhausted from the early start. However, our quiet time was interrupted when we made a stop at a village called Mathoir for a bathroom break. It was during this stop that Umaru Fofana, a well-known senior journalist, pulled up behind our bus in his car. He stopped briefly to chat with a few colleagues and even take some photos. It was exciting to see a figure like him interacting with everyone so casually, which added to the excitement of the trip.
After the brief stop, the journey resumed, but this time with a new burst of energy. My friends and I were wide awake now, engaging in lively discussions, sharing jokes, and even dancing to the music playing on the bus. The mood was light, and everyone seemed excited. The camaraderie on the bus was infectious, making the trip an unforgettable experience even before we reached our destination. the atmosphere remained upbeat as we pressed on toward Bo City.
At exactly 5:45 PM, we finally arrived in Bo City. The excitement of arriving was met with relief as the long ride came to a close. Since my hotel reservation was not too far from New London, a popular area for bus stops, I got down from the bus with some of my colleagues who also had rooms booked at the same hotel. We made our way to the hotel, and by 6:15 PM, I was at the reception, collecting my room key, ready to unwind after the eventful day.
Once inside my room, I placed my bag in the wardrobe and took a moment to settle in. Blessing the door behind me, I flopped onto the bed, feeling the day’s exhaustion catch up with me. As I lay there, I reflected on the highlights of the trip—the laughter, the lively discussions, and the camaraderie shared with my colleagues. It was a fulfilling day, and I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that this was just the beginning of my first exciting experience at the SLAJ AGM, a fulfilling one.
Looking back on this part of the trip, I realized how much fun it was to combine work with enjoyment. Even though I had been assigned a task, it didn’t feel like a burden. Instead, it was a chance to document a unique experience, one that not only mattered to my career but also to the relationships I was building with my fellow journalists. I was ready for whatever the journey had in store.
This journey marked the beginning of something special, and I couldn’t wait to see what subsequent AGMs would bring. PSN/2/10/2024
