Mohammad Ismail’s speech is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and courage. Initially dreaming of becoming a doctor, he realized over time that his true passions lay elsewhere—especially in politics and international relations. Despite facing criticism for prioritizing experiences like Model UN over exams, Mohammad embraced these opportunities, driven by a strong sense of responsibility to his homeland. Balancing his university studies with managing a carpentry business, he highlights the importance of passion and accountability in overcoming challenges. His story encourages others to break free from conventional expectations and create their own unique path to success. Founder and CEO OF CEDRO Decors in Erbil, Mohammad is CESK alumni and an inspiring entrepreneur. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx