A Walk Into The Gardens Of My Mind

I'm not sure where to disclose this, but my blog seems the best bet, as I don't feel comfortable notifying people about any emotional baggage.Quite frankly I don't think anyone other than Allah genuinely cares. Rewind back about three years ago, I suffered from severe depression. I just remember crying, crying on my way to college, sometimes for no reason but mostly for some reason or the other. I had a lot going on at home and outside as well that triggered huge stress on me and I started to loose my appetite and my weight went down. Anyway, to cut a long story short, after talking to a close friend, I realised the drugs (medication-anti-depressants) that I was taking were not helping me to solve my problems but merely giving me a fake illusion of happiness during certain intervals in the day. So I stopped taking the drugs of my own accord and telling my GP two weeks later. My GP dramatically told me that I would end up in a mental home as a result of withdrawal symptoms...

Having caused world wide moral panic and initially starting out in Sierra Leone, the deadly Ebola virus is now causing more grief, as it hits the Western regions of the country. The outbreak has taken the lives of 4,500 people in West Africa, Liberia,Guinea and Sierra Leone, being the three most-affected countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that there will be an estimated 10,000 cases by December. British army medics seem very confident with the training they have received in order to make a difference to the wide spread of this deadly disease. With so much medical surveillance (Heathrow airport checks and so on), I have to ask myself if people are even concerned about the less fortunate in these poor African countries, who may not have access to sanitation, medical aid and a lifeline. Having overhead conversations on public transport and in my university lectures, it seems to me that the media and the public have collaboratively demonized Sierra Leone for cau...

As I walked into the ITN headquarters, I found it hard to contain my composure, as I was really excited and felt privileged to be in such an influential environment with industry professionals. I have always been interested in hard news and human interest stories, as I have a thirst for knowledge and find it fascinating to learn about people's experiences as well as what is going on around the world. Based on this interest and wanting to gain some useful insight and contacts, is the reason why I missed a day of university to attend this fantastic opportunity. To start if with, myself and the young people that attended, had the chance to join the Channel 4 news team in their morning editorial team, that finished promptly at 10am. During the editorial meeting, the day's top headlines were discussed, the Ebola outbreak being one of them and how it is becoming a political issue as well as the daunting reminder of the financial crisis in America and Europe. One particular news sto...

While there is a huge debate around the surrounding benefits of weed smoking in addition to the negative effects it can have on an individual, it is certain that it can affect one's day to day living. For example, those who smoke weed may become less slower in reaction, loose interest in their appearance and health, activities and goals. I for one, have never smoked weed, but have always been curious about the magical feeling weed seems to give it to smokers who I have observed quite closely. When I have asked people, the majority of them have stated that it helps them relax and unwind, as well as helping them get to sleep. Many have gone on further to argue that smoking weed can have medicinal purposes, such as increasing appetite and decreasing inflammation and pain.Furthermore, it has become clear to me that smoking weed has become a recreational social activity, in the way, many people gather with friends to chill out and smoke this particular plant. A while ago, I rememb...

It seems to me politicians are not very clear to the public about their proposals and believe they can pull the wool over our eyes. George Osborne announced last month that a re-elected Tory government would include a two-year freeze on benefits and tax credits for many households. While the Conservatives think they are being very effective with this 'long-term' economic decision, they are failing to empathise for working class families and how this will impact them in everything they do day to day. According to The Guardian, 'The average loss will be £300 a year per household but will vary greatly'.  Even a statement like this puts things in a much more clearer perspective for me .. I for one, live in a household where both my mum and dad are unemployed and currently out of work, we can just about make ends meet. We are a big family, myself and my siblings (there is 6 of us altogether) and my mum and dad. The older we get, the more things we need and want, and my ...

Tackling radicalised Islamisists and terrorists has deep-rooted solutions, such as proper education into what the religion of Islam teaches, counselling and understanding. I hate what IS are doing, but the people involved in these wrong doings are lost souls who need some sort of discipline, but not in violent terms. For those of you who are not aware, Britain is to go ahead with plans of attacks against IS. London Mayor Boris Johnson has urged Londoners on public transport to remain 'vigilant' on Friday. Although there has been no direct threat to London and its citizens, with all that is happening with IS and their immoral acts, it is no wonder we are being warned to be on our toes. Aside from the fear of now using public transport, I think the government should be more thoughtful about how the decision for Britain going into a third gulf war, can psychologically affect a Londoner's day to day living. Security is paramount here. I understand the government mentioned t...

Following on from the alleged Trojan horse plot in Birmingham schools, of which were said to be taken over by radicalised Islamist, Ofsted are currently undertaking inspections in about 40 schools, without any notice given. This decision was highly encouraged by Prime Minister David Cameron, who asked Sir Michael Wilshaw to consider doing inspections without informing schools. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation for teachers and head teachers more so, as now they are constantly on their tip toes. And that in itself is understandable, as an inspection requires extreme effort and resilience from teachers and staff members, as those in charge exert pressure, in order for them to maintain reputation for the school, or sometimes even improve. An Ofsted spokeswoman has been reported to say : "We have expanded the criteria for unannounced inspections. This will allow us to respond swiftly and publicly where concerns over discipline, safe guarding, poor leadership or...

For quite some time, Islamic faith and Muslims themselves, have been repeatedly portrayed in a negative light by the media. This has contributed not to people’s knowledge about Islam, but people’s ignorance intertwined with hatred for Islam and Muslims alike.  As a young Muslim woman living in London, this is an offending subject, which needs to be addressed and solved to create consensus in society, and not conflict. On September the 5th, there was a moral panic and anxiety in the air, after a man beheaded an elderly woman in Edmonton. The media decided yet again, they can use this incident to fuel people's ignorance towards Muslims and Islam. Regarding this, the  front-page  headline in The Sun newspaper read, ' Muslim Convert Beheads Woman In London'.   Why on earth did they have to mention that he was a Muslim convert? Was this a strategic ploy to blame the religion of Islam for an individual's action? I don't see anyone including the fact that m...

Since the terrible and immoral killing of American journalist James Foley, there has been moral panic worldwide, amongst Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. As a young Muslimah living in London, I am outraged at the killing of Foley and my deepest condolences and respects go to his family and friends. The government really do need to do their bit and pull up their socks, in order to tackle those Muslims who may hold radicalised views. How many more innocent lives need to be taken, how many more awkward glances should Muslims be given, for the government to wake up and make an impact on this issue, to bring the world safety and peace. I understand that there has been recent talks of Home Secretary Theresa May bringing in an anti social behaviour order to deter terrorist attacks home and abroad. Although potential terrorists may have 16- hour curfews and be placed afar from their homes and denied any communication, I still have this anxiety within me. But all we can do now, is pray an...

Science is continuously aiming to create awe-inspiring, thought provoking medical aid for humans, and sometimes I find that it can be quite hard to comprehend. Researchers from the US have now grown 3D brain tissue in a bid to cure brain related diseases, namely dementia. According to The Telegraph, Dr.David Kaplan of Tufts University, Boston, was claimed to have said, "   The hope is that the use of this model could lead to an acceleration of therapies for brain dysfunction as well as offer a better way to study normal brain physiology."  What scientists had discovered is that by using doughnut shaped scaffold in addition to a special gel, they good encourage growth from rat neurons, which will ultimately mould into a complex brain tissue. To replicate a brain injury/ illness, weights were dropped onto the brain tissue from various heights. Now, this gives me goosebumps mixed with new found joy at the same time.  If scientists manage to crack the code and overri...

For some time now, I have become associated with sleek black hair and a messy bun, big hoop or door knocker earrings and the best gloss on my lips! While I have earned myself this urban image and reputation, my personality and views are quite the contrary. I live in a beautiful, big seven-bedroom house in a quiet residential street, and I would beg to differ that at any point given in my life, I have been engaged in 'hood life'. However, whatever I say or do, people don't just assume that I'm involved in some sort of urban disadvantages, but that I am not Muslim! That is one thing that I am finding it difficult to cope with, everything else is getting easier. Two weeks ago,  I visited a local corner shop in  Brixton, picked up a packet of sweets and kindly asked the shopkeeper, ' Are they halal ?'. The shopkeeper looked at me in shock horror, before, saying ' Why would it matter to you if the sweets were halal or not? ' , to which I very firmly replie...

Immigrants are usually blamed for less jobs, less houses and not enough school places for children, and the good they bring to London is quite often overlooked. Recently, a report on UK immigration was leaked to Newsnight. It concluded that the influx of EU migrants has had a largely positive result- They have a good work ethic and are less likely to use benefits, in comparison to Britons. Immigrants are actually boosting London's economy, findings from University College London's migration research unit, found that, European immigrants have contributed up to 34% more in tax, then they have in benefits for a period of ten years. Quite impressive really, what is highlighted here, is that immigrants understand the importance and productivity of paying their way for essentials and luxuries during their stay in foreign countries. Not only is immigration developing London's monetary economy, but it is assisting London's cultural and social economy. London is only exc...

The police watchdog claimed yesterday that the Metropolitan police are guilty of abandoning gang youths in their rivals' areas, knowingly and decisively. The watchdog is taking these allegations very seriously and urging anyone that has experienced this misconduct by the police, should get in touch and come forward. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been told on many occasions that suspects have been detained on the grounds of gang inclusion and then left to their devices in different areas, which happen to be places of threats to gang youths. I am absolutely appalled at these allegations, as you would only think after the Mark Duggan case and the investigation into the conspiracy within the research into Stepehen Lawrence;s family, that the Met would wake up and make a positive change. Both young and elder people, are loosing trust in the Met to bring justice and peace in society, due to their lack of professionalism and institutionally racist and prejudice...

Tyrone Moore, 25, is a social entrepreneur, aiming to create a positive path for the disadvantaged youth of his community. Moore was raised by a single mother and his granddad, who was ultimately his father figure and whom he took to as an inspiration during his former years. Having huge respect and admiration for his granddad, Moore was hugely involved with being an army cadet when he was young. Thereafter, he decided to join the army, follow in the footsteps of his family and make his granddad proud. He went on to study sports science at Brookes University, and now he's also got a BA in Youth and Community under his belt.  Moore went on to describe himself as ' a bright individual' . "The positive path is what I needed," he claims. Speaking on why he eventually joined the army at the age of 17, he said, "I wanted to do something different, so I joined the army. It taught me a lot of lessons, how to cook, clean. I learnt a lot whilst being part of...

Solomon Smith, 28, from Brixton, always had an interest in supporting the homeless people in his community, in whatever means possible. When he was in his late teens, he was very much involved with the community. "I've been working for Lambeth youth service for 12 years now. I have been doing it as I just had an urge to work with young people," he told me. It was clear to me that Smith had a burning desire to help the needy from the start of his journey. He recalled, "When I first had the epiphany in my head, I just got up and I started writing stuff down on a sheet I had stuck up in my room. I said to myself, 'I'm going to go into centres, with no plan, and say this is what I want to do.'  Smith initially ventured out by driving around , delivering donations of clothes and offering hot drinks to people. "All I could afford at the time was tea. I started getting clothes, some cups, and started giving out tea. I was working at the Marcus Lipton ...

Clarke, is a multi-talented writer,director, producer and actor, hailing from West London. He is most notably known for writing UK urban films for Kidulthood and Adulthood .  But he hasn't limited himself to being only involved with socio-realist films, as he has has gained commercial recognition by starring in Doctor Who and landing a role alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the Hollywood Star Trek sequel. One of Clarke's tattoos bears the thought-provoking saying, 'be the change you wish to see in the world'. Speaking of how he would change the world, he said, "There's loads of things that are bigger that I can do. The fact that people don't have clean water is ridiculous. Politicians have real power, but they're not doing anything about it." It was refreshing to hear such a comment by Clarke, as the rate of inequality really surfaced in my brain juxtaposed with the wealthy lifestyles lead by government officials. Trinidadian born Clarke,...

Among suspects aged from 14-25, two schoolboy brothers aged 14 and 15 were among them, in a dawn raid, involving two addresses on the Churchill Gardens estate in Pimlico. According to The Metro, "'they are said to live 'chaotic lifestyles, only occasionally attending school .." Police were motivated to lead this raid, after crying pleas from local residents for action against gang-related violence and drug-dealing on the estate. The action came after a 5-month investigation from tip-off's of local people living in the Pimlico estate. As police battered down the second address, bags of cannabis and loose cash were thrown out of the window, and into the bushes below in desperation. A total of 19 people were arrested, most in their teenage years as well as a 50 year old woman, in relation to possession of Class A Drugs, namely crack cocaine, heroine and MDMA. I think what the recurring themes that these arrests and the investigation high...

I have been meaning to create this post since like two weeks ago, but I've been debating with myself whether or not I would possibly get chucked out of Uni, as a result of bringing things out in to the open. So yeah, it was a normal weekday, I've just come into the seminar room after having a very busy break, torn between eating so quickly my digestive system was crying along with catching up with my long-lost cousin ( I may write a post about that). Anyway, I stroll in and take a seat at the rear end of the classroom. The Seminar leader, (whom I am actually scared to name), gave each of us a worksheet with bullet points for discussion around the reading we was prescribe earlier on in the week. The seminar discussion starts, as always I have my hand up ready to answer each and every question, counter-act each and every statement and show off my intelligence to the class. I mean they all look shocked when  I use my top-of-the-class vocabulary within the appropriate conte...