A Walk Into The Gardens Of My Mind

Self respect goes a long way, it is the basis on which people draw their conclusions about you and is the epitome of what you experience as an individual. As a Muslim woman, it is instilled in us by our religion to have self respect by being modest in our clothing and actions. Although I do not wear the Hijab or any other specific Islamic garments, I am very keen on appearing as a woman rather than *insert a body part that is often looked at, because I am to shy to state it* . I want to be seen for me as a person with dignity, not be admired for my body, but for my mind and character. For as long as I can remember, myself and the opposite gender whom have been close friends, associates and colleagues'have commended me for the self respect I display and my humble nature as ironic as it may sound. (You're probably chuckling to yourself or holding in a giggle at this precise moment, and if you're not, you've just wasted your time reading this added comment) . Personally,

Jaja Soze : "That's What I Think Every Kid Needs, Plant That Seed, Water It And It Will Grow." Former South-London notorious gang member Jaja Soze is a role model to young people who come from deprived backgrounds. He is a prime example of making something out of nothing, and although far from the usual rags to riches story, Soze has become a successful creative entrepreneur that is on a mission to change the world he lives in. Suffering a traumatic past, having been caught up in drugs, guns and crime, to serving long jail sentences, you'd have to own a pretty cold heart not to commend this man for his efforts, in bettering not only himself, but the community around him. I walked into the PDC studio, completeley in awe and admiration of the innovative and slick design of this entity that Jaja had created. I sat down on a sofa, filled with graffiti scribbles and writing,which really captured the creative and edgy feel of the art and culture of the area .'Wh

Rachel Kelly : "A privileged life does not mean a privileged health." Rachel Kelly was a woman most would want to be - she had an excellent career on the go, a loving family and she was hosting the best parties. However, things got on top and depression dropped onto her like a bomb, and it was through the power of poetry and prayers, that she healed herself. As I anxiously awaited Rachel Kelly's arrival in a French cafe called Le Pain Quotidien in Notting Hill, I skimmed my notes on her, burning to ask her the questions I'm sure no one else has asked before. Kelly was a former Times journalist, who had everything going for her - but after facing depression, she hit rock bottom. Not for too long however, as this inspiring woman has utilised her pain and grief to produce positive endeavours as she embarks the journey on being living proof that you can fight depression and become better. She arrives,ambling up the spiral staircase, her warm smile lighting up t

American Civil Rights Activist Rachel Dolezal, 37,who is the daughter of two White parents, has caused much controversy and debate after claiming that she is 'Black.' Picture from The Independent From what little word history I can recall on, during times of segregation and injustice in parts of the world like America, many people went through what would be described as 'racial passing' . This usually entailed people of mixed heritage posing as being White, in order to avoid racism or undue punishment of some sort. Fast forward into the 20th century, we now have a White woman posing to be Black, and her reason for doing so is far from trying to avoid racism. Although I disbelieve that Dolezal has a brain chemistry imbalance which has affected her mental health, associate professor of counselling psychology, Anita Thomas , from Loyola University came up with a plausible conclusion. The Guardian reports her saying, "For White [American] youth, who are disc

Women are made to be mothers, you can argue this point all day long, however with the countless responsibilities and sacrifices that entails motherhood, it can and should be considered a full-time career or job. If you are paid for your efforts outside in the world of work, why is there no overarching authority paying mothers and housewives for fulfilling such a necessary role that maintains human civilization? My amazing mother has given birth to not one, but six children (including myself) a nd I'd be fooling myself if I said I can repay her for less than half of what she has done for me. And it is for this reason alone and also on speaking behalf of women all over the globe, a mother's life should be made as comfortable and smooth-sailing as those agencies in control can get it to be. Child- benefit is something that UK citizens should feel very privileged about, since at least some contribution is made by the government in supporting the living costs of bringing up c