Summer

Over the summer break, I worked at an artisanal tea start-up based in Singapore. Partnering with small organic farmers throughout Japan, this tea start-up aims to boost local employment in farming villages while encouraging the demand for sustainable and fair farm practices.

I was responsible for conceptualizing and writing lifestyle articles for the brand’s website. As the content writer, I got to learn more about the process of publishing online content from pitching potential titles to crafting them. I was given free range in terms of coming up with new titles as well as choosing what to write about. Learning about various marketing strategies from search engine optimization (SEO) to the inner workings of websites on WordPress gave me valuable insight as to how building an online presence works. Writing with a more technical goal in mind in terms of aiming to increase web traffic through weaving in key search words was an interesting experience.

The working stint was an opportunity for me to be involved in crafting creative content instead of simply being a passive online consumer. Working in a start-up with a relatively small team meant I often felt I was making a palpable contribution to building the company’s online presence and branding. I am thankful to have been able to work closely with my boss, who mentored me and always gave me feedback even on small details like how I should go about choosing photos for a blog. While I am now back in university, I am grateful that they offered me the chance to continue writing on an ad-hoc basis. I hope this will allow me to continue building on my marketing skills while learning more about tea in the process! This marketing stint has also gotten me curious about web design which led me to apply for Code First Girls, a programme held in universities all over the UK to teach females coding. While the programme is still in its early stages, I’ve learnt so much over these few weeks. While learning to code has been challenging as it requires regular revision, the reward of being able to do something I could not before has been immensely fulfilling.

Settling back in to the rhythm of school has required some adjustment as I’m now living off-campus and starting second year means coursework is often harder. Nevertheless, I’m enjoying the range of modules I’m doing as well as the extra-curricular activities. Over the last weekend, I went on a guided walk with Friends of Canley Green Spaces, a volunteering group that helps maintain the surrounding woodlands and streams. We walked a total of about 11km from the university to the surrounding lakes and woodlands in Canley and Kenilworth, passing through Ten Shillings Wood, Crackley Woods and Diamond Woods. Getting to explore the more scenic sides right outside campus was refreshing however it was quite sad to find out some of the younger woods like Diamond Woods would be gone due to the building of the high-speed railway. Nonetheless, it was fun to explore the nature spots surrounding the university. Moving ahead, I hope that the coming year will be filled with new discoveries and fruitful endeavour much like this walk 😊

Iffah Azman : 19 Oct 2017 09:14 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

It's a wrap!

The second term has been packed with various activities but one of the highlights of this term was wrapping up the annual Singapore Society Production ‘Bumiputera’. This year was the first time the society performed an original play written by our fellow director, Edward Eng. The play follows 6 millennials who are witnesses to a suspected terrorist attack in Singapore. Following the attack of the building, the play takes place in a room within the police complex, where the characters are held for questioning. As the play unfolds, the relationships between the characters and how they are connected to the attack unravel. At its core, ‘Bumiputera’ is a portrayal of the different lives of the 6 characters and their relationship to the land we call home.

We’ve been working on the play since the first term so seeing the production come into fruition was both exciting and anxious. Working with an ensemble of 6 actors proved to be immensely rewarding as the group was small enough that it allowed everyone to work closely with each other and build on each other ideas. The creative process was a constructive and collaborative one where the actors and the directors/writers were constantly giving each other feedback to improve the play. The script went through several major changes which to me, was a challenge.

As an actor, I had to be flexible in terms of learning new lines or reviewing my character. I played an undercover police woman disguised as a civil officer who was held for questioning with the other characters. Her main aim was to uncover how the characters were involved directly or indirectly to the bombing. Being a central character was daunting to me as I felt pressured to not forget cues or lines. Thankfully, the cast supported each other and we adapted to mistakes by improvising. Putting on a play is always a team effort and I’m genuinely so grateful to have had a great team and make friends throughout the course of this production.

Earlier on in February, the Warwick Asean Conference was organized under the overarching theme of ‘Survival and Identity beyond 50’. In conjunction with the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the conference consisted of several forums exploring economics, politics and human rights in the region. Through promoting discussion and debate on such topics, the conference aimed to empower the youth to carve out a future model of ASEAN.

One of the speakers invited to the conference was Sonny Liew, the comic illustrator and writer of ‘The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye’ which won the Singapore Literature Prize for Fiction in 2016. He was part of the human rights panel that explored the multi-faceted nature of the concept itself and how the region should go about building co-operation between government parties and NGOs to promote human rights. I found Sonny Liew provided a humanistic perspective to the issue and it was interesting to see how his political opinions inform his creative process. I got the opportunity to have dinner with him afterwards with some friends, which was a heart-warming end to the busy day.

Iffah Azman : 20 Apr 2017 18:36 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Looking Back

Term 2 has rolled around and the past weeks have been a whirlwind of various activities on top of academic work. University has given me so much space to discover and explore ideas within a community that cares deeply about the world, which I’m grateful for. The ability to reflect and think critically about the current nature of the world is especially pertinent to me given the recent light of events.

Just last Friday, I got the opportunity to attend a political theatre workshop run by Nasi Voutsas and Bertrand Lesca. Their play, Eurohouse, explores the concept of the European Union: its failures and its successes, the founding ideals and what got lost along the way. The play centers on the debt crisis Greece faced. The workshop was physically intense and I found their process of creating interesting as instead of explicitly talking about the subject matter, they relied on simple scenes that allude to Greece’s position within the European union. As a politics and sociology student, seeing how theatre can be a platform to explore political ideas was intriguing. The workshop was run by a devised theatre society called Codpiece. The performers also kindly offered us discounted tickets to their show later on at night. With some of the other society members, we set out together to Birmingham Repertory Theatre later on at night. The play used comedy carefully to explore the position of Greece within the European union and gave an emotive look at power. It gave the debt crisis a more human face with facts such as fifty-two percent of young Greeks being unemployed amd the dramatic increase of the suicide rate in the last few years. In light of the recent political events, the play was a poignant reminder that Greece continues to be crippled by debt and subjection.

Speaking of going to the theatre, a highlight of Term 1 was definitely going to see The Nutcracker at the Birmingham Hippodrome organized by the university as part of their scholars’ program. It was great to watch ballet and meet other students at the same time.

I’ve also had to explore places further away from the university thanks to the International office at Warwick, which often organizes trips. Towards the end of term 1, I went to Chester. As it was during the period leading up to Christmas, there was a market. The atmosphere was festive, which made the trip even more enjoyable. As the year progresses, I hope it brings new discoveries along with it!

Iffah Azman : 30 Jan 2017 23:35 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

The Climb

Week 7 is coming to a close soon and it seems time just flew by. It’s reaching the point of the term where deadlines are fast approaching and more nights are spent working on assignments or catching up on work. The past few weeks have been fruitful with plenty to discover, both within and outside of class.

One of the highlights of my time so far has been Charity Week. It is a week-long event organized by the Islamic society on campus in conjunction with the charity organsiation, Islamic Relief. Various activities like bake sales were organized to raise money for the chosen cause. This year, the money raised goes to projects worldwide that work with needy children.

One of the events in Charity Week was a hike up Mt. Snowden in Wales, which required each participant to pledge to raise £100 in a week. Initially, I was hesitant to sign up although I enjoy hiking. I was concerned about whether I would be able to raise funds that quickly without having many immediate connections here. All this time spent worrying meant all the 15 seats were filled before I could make up my mind. I was disappointed and frustrated but I decided to text the organizer. She put me on the waiting list and on that day, someone dropped out so I could take their place much to my delight.

In the week to come, I did what little I could to mentally prepare myself for the trip. I had been running regularly prior to the trip so I wasn’t too worried about my physical state. Nevertheless, I didn’t know what to expect of the terrain or weather so I didn’t want to take chances. Fund-raising was a bit of challenge initially but with the help of social media, I was able to spread the word around. I am grateful for friends who spread the word around as well. Small contributions add up and before the weekend rolled around, I hit the target.

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, we set out at 2am by coach to Wales in order to start the hike early. I was afraid that it would be really cold so I wore 4 layers but was glad that it wasn’t too cold when we reached. Once we started hiking, it got warm quite fast so my incessant worrying was misplaced. As the coach was due to depart at 4.30pm, we had to descend by 2pm regardless of where we were. I was determined to get to the peak and spend some time there before descending so I made sure I kept pace. Thankfully, I hiked with a senior who was involved in Warwick Mountains- a society for climbing and hiking. We spurred each other on and made sure we took small breaks in between to recuperate.

We saw 4 rainbows in a single day!

Hiking Buddies

I’m happy to say we were the first 2 girls from the Warwick group to reach the peak. We reached the peak before 1pm so the rest of the time was spent admiring the breath-taking views which looked as if we were above the clouds. Being higher up also meant the temperature was colder and much windier. The senior had a flask of hot coffee which she kindly shared with me. Having a hot drink when your fingers are so chilly and the wind is strong feels so soothing. I had digestives with me so we shared our food and savoured the moment (literally) together.

View above the clouds

Misty cliffs

As 2pm rolled around, we made the trip back down and to the coach with heavy limbs but a light heart. Wales is stunning and I hope to visit it again sometime.

On the way back down

Days like the one I just recounted make normal weekdays seem mundane but in their own minute ways, they are fulfilling as well. Since deadlines are approaching, I find myself having to be strict in how I schedule my time and prioritise certain tasks over others. In the beginning of the term, I could go for talks or events without thinking so much about other commitments. Currently, I am involved in 2 productions- The Singapore society’s yearly production and a more informal devised play to be performed in Week 9. This is part of a day festival called Bacchus, organized by the Codpiece Theatre society in Warwick. I will be directing a short piece with a team of 3 girls loosely centered around the themes explored in the non-fiction text “The Beauty Myth” written by Naomi Wolf.

Although I was reluctant to take on this project while having multiple essays due soon, I remembered a teacher back in school who said if you are really interested in something, you will find time or a way to do it. Time management is a skill I am always trying to improve on and I don’t think it is something one can completely perfect. When things get hectic and I feel confused as to what I should commit to, I find just taking time off to listen to myself and re-evaluate what is important to me works. As the term progresses, life may get busier but I hope I will remember this.

Iffah Azman : 17 Nov 2016 15:56 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Arrival

A week has passed and Warwick has been amazing. I expected university to be an educational hub, uniting people from all over the world and walks of life- How true that was. Even where I am staying in Rootes, my flat mates come from all over the world- Italy, China, India, Philippines, Zimbabwe and more. Getting to know each other over meals is a constant in our daily routines that never fails to cheer me up. Meals have always been a communal experience and it is often while eating that topics, both difficult and amusing, are broached. I am always intrigued to hear different people’s opinions on an issue, whether it is how Europe is handling the refugee crisis or something more personal. I am in awe that just within our living space, we get to interact with people studying a range of subjects and are passionate about different causes. Yet, we all share this yearning to discover more about the world and how we position ourselves within it.

I believe there is always something you can learn from a person, even when their culture feels so far removed from your own. Recently, I went for a talk on ‘Cultural Appropriation VS Cultural Appreciation’ with a fellow friend of African-American origin. I have always seen university as a safe, inclusive space to have mature discussions about such topics and my experience listening to the speakers affirmed that. Although their lived experience of being from a minority group would not be the same as mine, I did find parallels. My greatest take-away would definitely be the fact that we should educate ourselves of our cultural origins and question what is taken for granted today. Knowledge is contingent on context and geography so what we take to be true today may not be so in the future. Walking back from the talk, I commented to my friend that the very reason why both of us, being female and from different backgrounds, were able to go to university was due to the resistance and efforts of people before us. In that moment, I felt immensely grateful for everything that happened that allowed me to be here.

Iffah

Iffah Azman : 08 Oct 2016 14:09 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem