The Note Staff and Student Magazine for the School of Sociology and Social Policy

Home , Melanin Magic

the note Staff and Student magazine for the School of Sociology and Social Policy

Featuring contributions from:

Jaya Gordon-Moore Gabrielle Stapleton Jack Aldridge Deacon Libby Steel Ruby Chau

Inside this issue:

Contents What you can find in the seventh issue 1

JayaHadADream Jaya Gordon-Moore 2

Song, Science and Study: Finding Balance on My University Journey Gabrielle Stapleton 5

Embracing the Uncertainty (or at Least Coming to Terms with It) Jack Aldridge Deacon 8

Dionysius vs Apartheid: Memories of Protesting in Nottingham Libby Steel 13

Spotlight on… Ruby Chau 16

Cover: The Millennium Garden, University Park. By Lisa Gilligan-Lee. Image supplied courtesy of The University of Nottingham ©.

A note from the Editor:

Welcome to the seventh issue of The Note. This semester posed all kinds of challenges as we shifted to new ways of learning and engaging with one another. The articles in this issue came from a time before COVID-19, but they speak to experiences as students and teachers that are timeless. Jaya Gordon-Moore tells us about her musical journey. Gabrielle Stapleton reflects on her time as an undergraduate. Jack Aldridge Deacon discusses the uncertainty of PhD research. Libby Steel takes us back to 1980s Nottingham, and her experience protesting. And Ruby Chau tells us about

her work in the School. Thank you to all of this issue’s contributors.

To our graduating students, congratulations. To everyone in our School community, please enjoy the issue. Stay safe, and have a good summer.

Scott Pacey [email protected] JayaHadADream

JayaHadADream

Hi! I’m Jaya, a third-year study to experiment. Due to things like sociology student here at the social media and advancements in University of Nottingham. Besides music technology, I no longer have studying for my degree, I’m an to rely on a record company, independent rapper, singer and which is great. I do not have to producer with a versatile range of manipulate my image or change music, mostly stemming from hip- my style to sell music. I have full hop. Music has always been a control, and it’s so empowering. huge part of my life. In primary Just over a year ago, I decided I school, me and my friends created needed to push myself and start a band and I dabbled with drums. doing events. Although I dreaded In secondary school, I performed a being the centre of attention, I few times, singing, and by sixth must have done at least twenty form I was pulling all-nighters all shows since. I can’t lie; I kind of the time, making music in my like seeing their ears perk up when nan’s garage. So much of my they hear me start to rap, and musical influence comes from my their conversations halt when they family. Even on my Dad’s side hear what I rap about. (which I don’t have much contact with), I have several cousins who In the end I’m always fine, just rap or DJ. gotta overcome the hump, Mental health is like a cancer, I have been recording music for don’t ignore the lump, around four years, but have been I swear down—am I gonna fall, publicising it since I got to Remain calm when I’m breaking university in 2017 as I knew I’d down, remain tall, have more confidence in a new I promise you it’s in my genes, city with a fresh start. One thing I I been acting like I’m MJ since I really love about making music is heard Billie Jean, the subjectivity and freedom. I I been acting bohemian since I literally record everything in my listened to Queen, bedroom. With the music software Poster on my wall quoting Martin’s (Logic Pro X) that I use, I can mix speech, my vocals however I want, and I After reading that sh*t I knew that can produce a piece of music using Jaya Had A Dream. my midi keyboard however I choose. I feel like this has really – JayaHadADream, lyrics from her refined my sound and allowed me album Hypersensitive (2019)

Along with growing up in a single honest account of the ups and parent council house amidst the downs of an angst-ridden, versatility and disguised overthinking outcast. This album inequalities of prestigious also had to be an ode to my Cambridge, being a female mental health. That’s why I Jamaican-Irish ‘tomboy’ has decided to name it Hypersensitive. exposed me to core sociological The goal was to encapsulate the issues, especially regarding ups and downs of someone who identity. How could I not be might have a tendency to think too critical? I believe music has always deeply and feel hopeless. On the been sociological. Music is a one hand, my hypersensitivity has cultural artefact. It can be seen as enabled me to be the mindful either the product of a given sociologist that I am. On the other, society, or a reaction/rebellion it has really hurt me and against it. I think my music is both. jeopardised my social life. I only I aim to create thought-provoking, really focused on my mental but relatable content that is raw health after a big breakdown in and authentic. Additionally, a song sixth form, following some painful can reflect a mood. Listening to family issues. Since then, my music has always helped me to mental state had been very up and express, and make sense of, my down. Despite my first year at sadness/happiness/feelings of university including some of the injustice, so I aim to help others do best times of my life, it was the same. polluted by one of my biggest battles with mental health. I Hypersensitive always hear about today’s society being ‘too sensitive’ and ‘too easily In January, I brought a new laptop triggered’. I agree with this to an to help with my music. Being a extent, but I also think this stigma typical critical thinker, I felt like is rooted in a specific ideology that one of capitalism’s ignorant slaves. wants to dismiss intersectional To reassure myself that it was identities and problems. I want to worth it, I decided I was going to celebrate hypersensitivity, with all try and make an album involving its pros and cons! I hope this many of the people who had album helps people to be mindful helped me get to where I am. of themselves and others.

In today’s consumerist society, I’m still at the beginning of my where mental health issues are so journey, but in the last year alone I easily commodified and even have had some amazing glorified, I wanted to share an achievements and opportunities,

which include getting BBC Radio Nottingham to play my music and performing for their music and mental health event. I’ve done several events that explore the relationship between music and social issues, such as for Black History month. Similarly, I recently did a performance for WGeneration’s female empowerment book launch. If I could give any advice to upcoming creatives, I’d firstly say, GO FOR IT! It took me way too long to be overtly proud of my craft. Of course, this takes time, but trust your work! Believing in yourself goes a long way. I’d also say, take all the opportunities that come your way. Network with people online, and take time to appreciate other people’s creative expression.

Thank you so much for reading this. I hope you might have a listen to Hypersensitive, which came out in November last year. You can find it on all platforms (Spotify,

Apple Music, Google Play, etc.). To follow my journey, find me on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter under @JayaHadADream. And if you have any enquiries, hit up my email: [email protected].

Jaya Gordon-Moore 3rd year student, Sociology, School of Sociology and Social Policy

Song, Science and Study: Finding Balance on My University Journey

As the end of my time as an four, making my priorities more undergraduate student draws manageable. However, over the near, I’ve been reflecting on past three years, although I have everything that has shaped my joined and changed societies, one university experience. From has always remained. canoeing to singing with a choir, to attending approximately 260 After receiving free sweets at the lectures, university became so freshers stall, I knew that the much more than just a place of Revival Gospel Choir was worth study. Throughout the years, it has checking out. The following helped me to learn more about Monday I navigated my way myself, my interests and my around the Portland Building, ideas—as well as my ability to eager to find the studio for my first arrive at a lecture on time (with rehearsal. On arrival, I was greeted seconds to spare) despite missing by other members and soon found several alarms. myself comfortably situated in the Alto section, listening to ‘oohs’ and Back in September 2017, I ‘aahs’. By December, I had sung at followed a group of other numerous events and become newcomers to the freshers fair, more confident about singing and mainly for the freebies. Not socialising. The friendly nature of knowing what I wanted to do the society—and its great song besides study, I signed up for nine choices—convinced me that this different societies. However, was a society I could attend on a within my first week of lectures, I weekly basis. realised that I needed to find a good balance between my studies I attended rehearsals week after and social life. So, I decided to split week, preparing for our Christmas the societies into different and Easter concerts alongside categories: those I could attend on other performances with (for a weekly basis, those that had example) BBC Radio and ‘Songs of optional events, and societies that Praise’. Being a member of the complemented my course or choir became more than just career. Choosing one society in about singing and occasional each category, I managed to dance moves; it was a place of narrow the number down to just acceptance and appreciation. During rehearsal breaks, socials

and trips, choir members would internationally recognised, spend time learning about each allowing women from all walks of other's courses, cultures and life to interact, inspire and creativity. Comprised of students identify. Through the online from different backgrounds, the members forum and social media choir consists of editors, platforms, BWiS has amassed over songwriters, photographers and a 800 followers, creating a safe whole range of other people. space to discuss a range of topics. While our love for singing unites With its weekly ‘Monday us, we all contribute our various Motivation’ sessions and monthly qualities to the group, adding to blog posts, the network has who we are as individuals, but also provided encouragement and creating something new that we guidance to members, followers can give to society as a whole. and readers. Popular posts such as ‘Melanin Magic’ encompass Besides giving me the chance to scientific theory and research, but sing, the choir created also provide practical advice on opportunities that have helped me how to take care of one’s skin. on my academic and career paths. With exposure to such creative Following a social with choir and relatable content, my members, I found out about a understanding and knowledge network called ‘Black Women in began to expand, enabling me to Science’ (BWiS). Initially, I thought engage with scientific research this network would only include and see its relevance to individual natural sciences such as biology, lives. chemistry and physics. But the founder assured me that social The ethos of BWiS, and my own sciences were not excluded. As a personal passion for increasing social science student, issues equality and representation, led surrounding race and gender have me to take on the role of Outreach always been of particular interest and Engagement officer. With to me, and as a black woman in deadlines and concerts science, I was interested in joining approaching, I was initially the group. apprehensive because I simply did not want to fail. Nevertheless, Joining the Black Women in alongside my study and choir Science Network offered me commitments, I was determined support from black women at to find a healthy and sustainable various stages in their careers. balance. To ensure that I got From graduates to scientists, the everything done, I dedicated network has become particular days of the week to

specific tasks. For instance, allowed me to give the time and Mondays were dedicated to effort needed to enjoy moments seminar readings, choir rehearsals and opportunities. Whether sitting and the occasional Portland Coffee in a lecture, or singing on a stage, I lunch with friends. I must admit learned that being involved and that slight changes to the week interested in something does not would potentially put my weekly have to end with the lecture or plans at risk, but that is where concert. Whilst it has not always flexibility and alterations came in. been easy to find a balance, I can Tasked with having to find a new say that the journey has been approach to balancing my worthwhile and certainly not activities, I would adjust the wasted. structure of my days, for example changing lunch with friends to a Gabrielle Stapleton Friday. 3rd year student, Criminology and Sociology, School of Sociology and Through genuine enjoyment of all Social Policy three of these areas, as well as having a good organiser and sleep, achieving balance has become second nature. With my studies at the forefront of my priorities, a vital element was selecting modules that both interested and challenged me. Witnessing the passion behind my lecturers’ research and teaching contributed to my enjoyment and engagement with my studies, often reminding me of why I chose this particular course in the first place. Learning the intricacies of criminology and sociology within the School has helped shape my understanding of the wider world.

On reflection, my university journey was not limited to merely ticking off to-do lists or doing the bare minimum. Trying to constantly find balance in my life

Embracing the Uncertainty (or at Least Coming to Terms with It)

My first instinct when thinking student. When an author focuses about this article was to produce a too myopically on what they did reflection on my PhD research. As and how they did it, a false sense a postgraduate researcher (PGR), of seamlessness is projected onto immersed in the fieldwork phase the research process—one which of my studies, I find myself at a leads you to believe that things juncture where I have some sense could not have been otherwise. of where my research is going and what it contributes. Perhaps a Perhaps this is the product of an reflexive piece about my findings overarching system that gives and approach would have been precedence to ordered narratives, interesting—at the very least, it and which erroneously conflates would have saved me some neat, linear progression with legwork next time I present my rigour. Who knows? For my taste, research at a conference or however, reading about the slow seminar. but inexorable evolution of a PhD has the effect of making me feel As useful as such an exercise might thoroughly inadequate—that I have been (for me perhaps more could never do what others have so than for you), the internet is full somehow miraculously achieved. I of such expositions, many of which am consistently forced to remind are far more engaging than myself, however, that things could anything I could have produced. always have been otherwise. The What really put me off writing a certitude that many (although not conventional research reflection, all) reflections exude is a mirage; however, was the simple fact that I the corollary of the author being in am frequently left with a pervasive a position to look back on events sense of dissatisfaction after that, for them, have been having read such pieces. In my comfortably subsumed into the experience, most authors sediment of the past. invariably overstate the impact of careful planning in making their At this point, I would like to endeavours possible, while highlight that I am in no way downplaying or even omitting the accusing all PhD/PGR research contingencies, uncertainties, reflections of being fictions or fortuitous accidents and outright falsehoods, devoid of merit (far mistakes that invariably form a from it). Nor do I think that to do a large part of life as a postgraduate PhD is to spend three to four years

navigating a horizon-less swamp of at least partially unique to the PGR chaos (although my opinion on this experience. These include: matter varies according to how well I feel my work is going, and 1. Questions of career whether the kettle is working in progression, and the PhD kitchen). There is, as with uncertainty regarding the everything, a certain rhythm and availability of early career structure inherent to the research or teaching undertaking of a PhD, which varies opportunities following according to discipline and subject, completion; but broadly speaking follows 2. Issues relating to the certain well-trodden paths. viability of a chosen methodological approach Yet, behind this general structure and the associated and rhythm there is a pervasive challenges of data and perennial sense of uncertainty collection/fieldwork; that warrants acknowledgement— 3. Being fully appraised of whether or not it is the ‘done’ and meeting the thing for it to be acknowledged. If (potentially competing) a PhD is a journey along a well- expectations of trodden path, then uncertainty supervisors, funders, and can be thought of as the shifting external assessors; eyes watching you from among 4. Ensuring that your work the foliage, the wolf that nips at offers an ‘original’ your heels as you carve a track contribution to knowledge, through the gloom. and has ‘impact’; 5. Questions of time, whether But what form(s) does uncertainty there is enough of it, and if take in relation to a PhD? Am I you are on track to finish simply highlighting a generalised within three years; sense of anxiety, one which 6. Questions of ability, and inheres in many occupations? whether you are good Perhaps I am; I can only speak enough to be doing a PhD from experience and my at all. experience is invariably somewhat I have presented these here as limited. And yet, while I have no discrete manifestations of doubt that the uncertainties of uncertainty, but in reality, they are PhD life share commonalities with not so neatly delineated. They may those of other vocations, I feel blend and meld into one another, that there are some issues that are forming a more inchoate yet indelible sense of uncertainty that

persists over time. Maybe some of oppressive sense of uncertainty these uncertainties are more that I felt regarding all of this prevalent than others, or they are began to have a tangible effect on the catalysts for a range of other my personal wellbeing and sense issues. It may also be that of self-worth. As I read relevant particular uncertainties are articles and chapters in search of missing from this list altogether. consolation, I gradually began to feel that the social sciences were Subjectively speaking, however, subject to a form of perverse these seem to me the most Darwinism: that only the accounts affecting challenges, and I am sure of the successful made it into most students have experienced print. As success (qua collected some of them at one point or data) was by no means assured for another. Using myself as an me, the lessons that might be example, uncertainty manifested derived from the experiences of itself most overtly, and most others did not feel applicable. perniciously, in relation to my After all, I was not reading experiences of fieldwork. Despite anything much about what planning my research for almost categorically, and catastrophically, two years prior to seeking ethical had not worked. Maybe I was approval, with contingency plans doing something dreadfully wrong in place to cover a number of and simply did not know it yet. eventualities, from the point at which fieldwork started I felt that This may all sound like so much of the fate of my project melodramatic self-absorption (and was out of my hands. There was indeed it may well be), but I feel always the possibility that that these concerns are gatekeepers would deny me demonstrative of the strange and access to the research site, always unique nature of PhD uncertainty. the chance that participants would Many people have done a PhD not be forthcoming. What would I before, and many people have do if I couldn’t get any data? written about their experiences of Would I be able to finish my PhD? completing it successfully, The uncertainty surrounding this endeavouring to pass on their elicited further concern: were my wisdom to new generations of difficulties an indication of a more PGRs. This, in conjunction with a serious and chronic lack of ability? diverse and active PGR community Should I even be doing a PhD? (as exists at Nottingham), who are engaged in empirical research and While perhaps a somewhat thus encounter similar challenges disproportionate reaction, the as yourself, should surely offer

reassurance at times of best-placed to answer this uncertainty. question, primarily because I am still grappling with the And yet, it did not for me; at least, uncertainties highlighted above. not completely. This is because, Yet, it would be churlish (or worse, ultimately, the uncertainty that self-indulgent) to waffle on about surrounds your project is yours all of this without considering alone. The PhD is unlike any ways in which lessons might be educational undertaking you are learnt. Ultimately, I feel that the likely to have engaged in before: best approach boils down to for the most part, you are in the allowing room for happenstance. driver’s seat, making the lion’s Planning and forethought are share of the decisions and being fundamental aspects of doing a correspondingly responsible for PhD; without them, no project their consequences. No one is as would ever get off the ground. But invested in what you are doing as we in the social sciences do not you ought to be. Moreover, as no operate within a vacuum: our two projects are exactly alike, any research takes place in the messy shared uncertainties that exist and complicated world of the between yourself and your peers human. The unexpected and the may never converge or be unanticipated will always be a part experienced commensurably. It of what we do. Any plan, no thus is up to you (albeit not matter how detailed and rigorous, inevitably without practical or can only ever be a tentative one emotional support from others) to until it has been implemented. mentally find a way through the Once implemented, the contours challenges that are specific to your of the social world will impinge circumstances. You might think of upon our good intentions: the PhD as a small business, in foreclosing certain possibilities, which you are the CEO, the but also opening up new regional manager, the travelling opportunities. secretary and the front of house staff: your concerns will run the Uncertainty is thus a door that has gamut from the mundane to the the potential to move in both meta and you will be directions. At times it may cause predominantly answerable to agonising frustration; at others, it yourself. This can be unsettling. may send you in new and infinitely more exciting directions than you How then do I think we PhD imagined. We therefore need to students should manage find a way to reconcile, on a uncertainty? I am by no means the collective and an individual level,

the fact that uncertainty will persist, but that it is not invariably negative. Perhaps the best way to deal with uncertainty is to conceptualise it not simply as an inconvenient truth, but as an intrinsic part of our craft.

Jack Aldridge Deacon PhD student, School of Sociology and Social Policy

Dionysius vs Apartheid: Memories of Protesting in Nottingham

The year was 1985—a time of I remember standing on my own in social change and free markets the College’s reception area while initiated by the Tory government. students milled around, looking Thatcher was diminishing the trendy and cool. I wondered if I power of the unions, and the could, or would, fit in to this new country was awakening to a more environment. But it didn’t take me prosperous, post-recession long to make friends, especially on economy. Capitalism was rife, and my drama course. There was a we witnessed the rise of the gang of us who were into music, ‘yuppie’—especially in the city of partying and going down to Rock London, where a slogan that was City and The Garage to attend gigs. parodied by the comedian Harry Such memories! Enfield was ‘loads of money!!!’ Dreams of better houses and cars *** seemed realisable, and were encouraged for those higher up In drama class, our teacher, Janice, the mobility scale. got us to do weird and wonderful things. I learnt how to be a tree, I was 16, and my musical and and how to speak with noise. One fashion tastes very much day, Janice said she would be epitomised the 1980s. I had an holding auditions for the Greek idealistic view of the world; the Trilogies. There were several gods, future looked bright, and anything but the main one was Dionysus, seemed possible. In September I the god of wine. After the had gone off to Bilborough College auditions, everyone waited with in Nottinghamshire to study anticipation to see which part they drama, art and art history. I was would get, or if they would be excited, scared and nervous of the relegated to being an understudy new adventure that lay ahead. or part of the backstage crew. The What if I couldn’t make friends? list was pinned up on a cork board What would happen if I didn’t like in the common room; everyone my subjects? And the wrath of my was on tenterhooks, clamouring to mother, if I failed, was not see who had been awarded the appealing at all. She still scares me main role! I nervously scrolled when she calls me Elizabeth, and I down the list and there was my am now a woman of a certain age. name—I’d been assigned one of the lead parts: the god of wine, Dionysus. The plays were to take

place over three lunch sessions in Dionysius. After all, mine was an the lobby/reception area of the important role, and one section of College. the play revolved around my character. At the same time, my friends and I were not only interested in gigs, *** parties and drama. We were also interested in what was happening I remember how students from politically. This was a time when across Nottinghamshire gathered young people had a louder voice, in the centre of town, shouting in some respects, and there was slogans against apartheid. Banners much political unrest in the and placards were held high in the country, with students protesting air, and members of the student and miners striking. Of particular union were stirring up the crowd concern was apartheid—a legal with a megaphone. We scuttled and political system of racial and flooded our way to the bank, segregation in South Africa. Some where we sat on the floor and of our attention was focused on stopped people from entering. As the bank, Barclays, and its time went on, I started to think I investments in the country. In fact, should leave. But looking towards after protests, student the entrance, I saw there was a big demonstrations and boycotts, it commotion. The police had been pulled out of South Africa in 1986. called in, and I thought: I’m really Barclays had maintained that they in trouble now. There was no way were trying to be a positive out, because the police had influence of change during this barricaded us inside. period in South Africa. Eventually, they let us go after Amidst all the excitement making a few arrests. But it was surrounding the play, everyone at now 3 pm, and I was supposed to college and in the student union have started playing Dionysius at were getting very vocal about midday. I was very anxious going Barclays. In fact, a demonstration back to the college, because I had been scheduled for the same knew there would be serious day as one of the performances! repercussions. I nervously entered The objective was to stage a sit-in the reception area and at Barclays in the centre of immediately bumped into the art Nottingham, and I wanted to do teacher. They said Janice was both. I decided to go to the absolutely livid with me. I tried to demonstration and be back at fight my corner, saying that I was Bilborough College in time to play absent for a good cause, but to no

avail. The next day, I was pulled into the principal’s office—Janice was also present. I was suspended for several weeks, and barred from auditioning for any more lead roles.

The moral of this story is that you should be true to yourself and stand up for your convictions. Demonstrations against tuition fees may not have changed policy, but at least student voices were heard. Sometimes people may ask what the point to standing up and going against the grain actually is. My reply is that sometimes, change does happen. Dionysius was sacrificed, to be sure, but Barclays eventually took notice of public opinion, and pulled out of South Africa the following year.

Libby Steel Teaching Associate, School of Sociology and Social Policy

Spotlight on … Ruby Chau

What is your role in the School? constantly negotiate between two sets of values and make I am an Assistant Professor (soon judgements on what to follow and to be Associate Professor) in Public what to synchronise. This and Social Policy. experience has helped me to see the similarities of some apparently What do you teach? different social systems and the diversity within seemingly Last year I taught Welfare Policy, homogeneous cultures. My and Research Methods and comparative study on social policy Research Management; this year, I in Europe and East Asia therefore have taught Policy Analysis and aims to identify the common Ageing and Global Policy challenges faced by different Responses. Before joining the welfare worlds and to promote School, I had taught East Asian mutual learning of good policy Welfare Systems, Social Divisions measures. My research on older in Contemporary Societies, migrants in the UK, on the other Qualitative Research Methods and hand, challenges the ‘one size fits various social work modules. all’ approach in health and social care and argues for respect for Describe your research and how potentially diverse preferences you go about it. within ethnic minority communities. As a woman My research is built around three academic, I am not immune to themes: social policy in Europe cultural expectations of family and East Asia; culturally sensitive caring roles and the so-called ‘care health and social care for older penalty’ that comes with care- migrants; and women and welfare. related career breaks. In my study I was born in Hong Kong and of women and welfare, I aim to brought up in a family where both enhance awareness of the gender my parents had fled from China as bias in conventional welfare refugees during the Sino-Japanese systems and to advocate for more War. I was educated under the support for women to enable former British colonial them to organise their lives administration. Living between according to their preferences. two different cultures has put me and many of my contemporaries in a unique position in which we

What led you to academia? friends and other PhD students cheered when I was offered a Becoming an academic was not my lectureship in the same plan. When I was a schoolgirl, I department, just a month after my wanted to follow in my eldest viva. sister’s footsteps and become a fashion designer. However, I didn’t What interests you most about have a chance to explore my your work? artistic potential, because art was not taught in my school. Since I The opportunity to work in a was young, I have been very good multicultural and multidisciplinary at public speaking. The first time I environment. The department in addressed an audience was to give Sheffield and the School here in a thank you speech to the teachers Nottingham are both very diverse. at my kindergarten. Therefore, my My colleagues are from a range of number two dream job was academic backgrounds, from social something that would allow me to work, social policy, public policy, do a lot of talking. I once entered criminology, sociology, and many myself into a DJ competition other disciplines. There is a rich hoping to get a job in a radio cultural mix in both the staff and station. I seriously considered the students. Collectively, they running in a local election to make have expertise, life experience and people listen to me. Subsequently, country knowledge in abundance. I enrolled in a social work course, Being used to such diverse in which I learnt not only how to environments has helped me to talk, but also how to listen. The build up my confidence in course gave me a starting point to conducting international research. study social policy and to serve Before joining the School, I was a socially disadvantaged groups. Marie Curie Research fellow at the Working with grassroots University of Sheffield conducting communities which have been a comparative study in seven badly failed by the unfair European and East Asian competition in capitalist markets, countries. I travelled to many and by different welfare policies, countries to discuss policies with my interest in the subject of social government ministers and policy grew day by day. After advisers, senior executives of winning a Commonwealth national and international Scholarship, I studied for my PhD organisations, top academics and at the University of Sheffield and researchers. I could never have started my academic career there. imagined doing this when I first I still remember how loudly my started as a PhD student in the UK,

when I struggled to speak and Ruby Chau write in English. Assistant Professor, School of Sociology and Social Policy What do you do in your spare time?

Coming from a Chinese working class family, spare time has always been a luxury. I believe that the more you receive from God, the more you have to share with other people. Apart from my job, I serve in my church and in the community in various voluntary capacities. I relax by going to the gym, taking long walks, submerging myself in a hot jacuzzi, playing with my cat and listening to music. I also enjoy movies, the theatre and travelling.

What achievement are you most proud of in your life?

The friendships I have developed with people in many different parts of the world. Thanks to modern technology and social media, I am able to keep our friendships fresh.

What advice do you have for students?

Reach out, and talk to people from different cultures and backgrounds. You would be amazed by how much there is to learn about the world, and from each other.