I was always a confident child and enjoyed nothing more than chatting with random strangers. My mother told me that when I was taken to the local Sikh Gurdwara (temple), at the weekends, she found it difficult to pin me down. I would grab my milk bottle and go off and sit with various members of the congregation and chatter away. I was nosey and wanted to find out everything about them. On a trip to India aged three, I would let myself out of the front gate and head to other people’s houses in the village for a cup of tea and a snack before anyone else was up.

My love for stories continued as I grew older and by the age of six, I started to mimic TV newsreaders and reporters as I played with my toy cars. I pretended to be reporting a serious news story. Soon after, I started to use my weekends to pen elaborate stories to be presented to my teachers to read on Monday.

But by the time I went to secondary school, my teachers tried to thwart my passion for becoming a journalist. One teacher even laughed at me and told me to think of a better suited career option. It was like I had told her I wanted to be a pop star.

Not one to be defeated, I studied hard in English to prove my teachers wrong and went on to study journalism and politics at university. I passed with flying colours and proceeded to apply for reporting jobs.

I lost count of how many rejection letters I received but this only strengthened my resolve. When I landed my first job in journalism, I was so proud of myself. I only wish I was in contact with the teachers who mocked me at school to tell them they should never laugh at someone's dreams.

I had unwavering faith in myself and I am so pleased I pursued my dream. There are lots of people who project their thoughts and views on your abilities but if you follow your heart, no one can douse the fire you have burning inside you. I have four nephews whom I encourage wholeheartedly to pursue their life goals no matter how big or small. We all need encouragement but at times when it’s not there, you just need to look inside yourself and follow your desires. Believe it can happen and it will.