I wasn’t born into wealth, but my parents provided the essentials: a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and the chance to learn. As one of five children, I grew up curious and adventurous, always exploring new places on my own and captivated by movies.

At 17, I started working as a chat dealer in Merkato, Ethiopia’s largest market—a place where I learned resilience and resourcefulness early on. After joining university to study architecture, things got tougher for my family. The money I’d saved quickly became my lifeline, and I knew I had no option but to push forward. I realized that if architecture didn’t work out, I’d need other skills. So, I began my own intense routine, rising at 5 a.m. and working late into the night, determined to learn video editing and 3D animation.

That relentless drive paid off. Before I even graduated, I landed my first job as a video editor. Those early experiences taught me that hard work and adaptability can open doors—no matter where you start, determination can get you where you want to go.