Week 5: Looking Beyond the Surface

What a week it has been! I’ve just returned from an amazing conference, which has left me feeling inspired, motivated, and ready for what’s next.

Plus, we finally got to celebrate a Ferrari win (a moment that Ferrari fans know is worth cherishing)! It’s safe to say I’m feeling refreshed, energised, and excited for the weeks ahead.

And of course, with graduation now getting closer, the excitement is officially starting to feel real. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings! But without further ado, here we go again.

The Divide Among Us: Exploring the Reality of Social Class:

Social class is a topic that has always interested me, especially because I come from an area that is described as one of the most deprived in England. Growing up there made me think about how much our background and where we come from can influence the opportunities we are presented with.

It made me ask an important question: does our background affect how society sees us? Should our postcode, income, or family circumstances influence the opportunities we receive?

In this section, I want to explore what social class really means, how it can affect people's lives, and whether these divisions still exist today.

According to the BBC's Great British Class Survey, there are seven social classes in the UK. This shows that class is much more complicated than simply being 'working class' or 'middle class.'

The Precariat is considered the most disadvantaged group, often facing financial struggles and fewer opportunities. The Emergent Service Workers are generally younger people who may not have high incomes but often have strong social and cultural connections.

The Traditional Working Class have lower levels of wealth but are not necessarily in poverty. The New Affluent Workers are a younger group who are often socially active and have a moderate level of financial security.

The Technical Middle Class are generally financially comfortable but may have fewer social connections, while the Established Middle Class have higher levels of wealth, education, and social opportunities.

Finally, the Elite are the most privileged group, with the highest levels of wealth, influence, and access to opportunities.

Looking at these groups shows that social class is not just about money. It can also involve education, friendships, experiences, and the opportunities available to us.

People from more privileged backgrounds can often have advantages that make certain opportunities easier to reach. This is not only because of wealth, but also because of connections, education, and support systems.

For example, attending certain schools, knowing people within specific industries, or having access to professional networks can create opportunities that others may not have.

However, this does not mean that everyone from a wealthy background is guaranteed success, or that people from less privileged backgrounds cannot achieve amazing things. It simply shows that people can start their journeys from very different places.

So, does that mean life is fair for everyone?

I think the answer is complicated. Anyone can apply for opportunities at large companies like Google, but the journey to getting there may look different for different people. Some individuals may have more support, experience, or connections that help them along the way.

This does not mean success is impossible for anyone else. It just highlights that opportunities are not always equally accessible.

For me, that is why talking about social class is so important. It is not about judging people based on where they come from. It is about understanding that everyone has different experiences and challenges.

At the end of the day, your background should not define your ability, your intelligence, or your future. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, no matter where they start.

Student Life Tips Unfiltered: The Highs, Lows, and Chaos In Between:

This will be the final month of me sharing my undergraduate stories and university babble before I switch to a new theme in August. So, I thought I'd make the most of it by sharing as many experiences, funny moments, and pieces of advice as I can before I officially say goodbye to this chapter of student life.

First Things First: Please Don't Skip Induction!

I know it can seem a bit boring or like something you can miss, but trust me, it's there for a reason. Induction gives you the chance to meet new people, find your way around campus, understand how everything works, and get a head start before lectures begin. It might feel like a small part of university, but it can make a huge difference to how confident you feel in those first few weeks.

Second Thing: Keep Trying to Talk to New People!

Trust me, I know it can feel daunting at the beginning. You'll probably be thinking, 'What if people think I'm weird?' But the truth is, almost everyone else is thinking the same thing.

Starting conversations can feel awkward, but remember that everyone is new and trying to make friends too. Sometimes all it takes is saying 'Hi,' asking someone about their course, or sitting next to someone in a lecture. You never know, it could be the start of a great friendship (at least that's how it worked for me).

Looking back, I'm so glad I pushed myself to take that first step (although I wish I let my friend keep the pen).

Third Thing: You Will Have Moments of Struggle, But It’s How You Respond That Matters!

University isn’t always going to be perfect, and that’s completely normal. Everyone will have moments where things feel difficult, whether it’s struggling with assignments, feeling homesick, or simply having a bad day.

The important thing is not letting those moments define your whole experience. A difficult week doesn’t mean you’re failing, and a setback doesn’t mean you’re not capable.

What matters is how you respond. Use those challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and remind yourself that you are stronger than you think. Every student has their own 'blip' moments; you just have to keep going and remember that they won’t last forever.

Finally: Enjoy Every Moment and Take Every Opportunity Given!

University will go by much faster than you expect, and before you know it, you’ll be standing on that stage in your cap and gown wondering where the time went.

So, don’t be afraid to say yes to new experiences. Join societies, attend events, try something outside your comfort zone, and make memories with the people around you. Not every moment will be perfect, but every experience will become part of your journey.

Make the most of the time you have, because those three years can pass in the blink of an eye. One day, you’ll look back and realise that even the small moments were some of the most meaningful.

Design Talk: My Weekly Tea ☕ — Colour: More Than Just Appearance

Last week, we discussed the importance of typography and how the right typeface can completely change the way a design is perceived. This week, I want to explore another crucial make-or-break element of design: colour.

Colour is much more than simply making something look visually appealing. It has the power to influence emotions, communicate messages, and shape the way people respond to a design. Whether it’s a brand logo, advertisement, website, or poster, the colours chosen can completely change the story a design tells.

Let me put this into a practical context. Imagine you are a gardener and you want to create a poster advertising your amazing new business. What is the first colour you would probably think of using?

Green, of course.

This is because colours are often connected to certain meanings and emotions. Green is commonly associated with nature, growth, and freshness, making it a clear choice for a gardening business. Before someone has even read the words on the poster, the colour choice has already started communicating a message.

Now imagine seeing that same gardening poster in bright purple or pink. It might still look visually interesting, but it probably wouldn’t create the same immediate connection. The colours could make people question the message or feel disconnected from the purpose of the business.

This is the power of colour in design; it helps people understand what something represents before they even process the words. Colour sets an important tone that influences how people view a design, creating expectations about what they are seeing and what they can expect from the brand, product, or message.

A well-chosen colour palette can instantly communicate personality, emotion, and purpose, while a poor choice can create confusion or send the wrong message.

Overall, as designers, we must recognise the importance of colour and use it effectively within our designs. Taking the time to research colour choices, understand the target audience, and communicate with clients beforehand can make a huge difference.

A successful design is not just about creating something that looks good; it is about creating something that communicates the right message and connects with the people viewing it.

Weekly Funny Moment: The Case of the Missing Shirt:

Okay, 9/10 times I would say I’m a pretty organised person. (And when I say organised, I mean my snacks even have their own organised storage separator; yes, it has reached that level).

Naturally, I had packed my bags weeks in advance. Every outfit was planned, every product was packed, and I was feeling extremely prepared. The day of travel arrived, and I proudly walked out with my suitcase and bag, confident that I had everything I needed.

Fast forward to arriving at the hotel. I checked in, started unpacking, and everything was there. Clothes? Check. Toiletries? Check. Everything I could need? Check.

Well, almost everything.

Then I realised it.

The one thing I had forgotten: the black shirt I needed to go underneath my beautiful black dress.

My immediate reaction? 'No. This cannot be happening. Not now.'

After weeks of preparation, planning, and organisation, somehow the one item I actually needed managed to disappear from my packing list.

So, picture this: me, a woman who thought she had everything under control, suddenly speed-walking through town on a mission to find a replacement top before the event. Thankfully, Primark came to the rescue with a reasonably priced option (and honestly, it looked pretty good too).

Moral of the story? You can organise every single detail of your life, but sometimes the missing shirt will still find a way to humble you.

Aisha’s Tiny but Mighty Advice: Be True to Who You Are

I recently attended a conference, and one message really stood out to me: follow your passion and pursue what truly matters to you.

That is the message I want to share this week. It can be easy to get caught up in what other people expect from us or feel pressured to follow a certain path, but at the end of the day, your journey is your own.

Being true to who you are means listening to yourself, exploring what makes you happy, and having the courage to follow the things you genuinely care about. Your path may look different from everyone else's, and that's okay; sometimes the most unexpected choices lead to the best experiences.

Having said that, following your passion doesn’t mean the journey will always be easy. Most of the time, there will be challenges, doubts, and obstacles along the way.

There may be moments where things don’t go to plan, where people question your choices, or where you start questioning yourself. But these challenges are often part of the process. They help you learn, grow, and become more confident in the path you have chosen.

The success that can come from following your passion is truly amazing to witness. While attending this conference, I met some incredible people who were not only talented but also had such a genuine love for what they do.

You could see their passion through the way they spoke, shared their experiences, and inspired others. They weren’t just there to showcase their achievements; they were there because they wanted to share their knowledge and encourage others to follow their own interests too.

It was a great reminder that passion can be powerful, and when people truly love what they do, it has a way of inspiring those around them, and that's how success is built and achieved.

The conclusion I want to leave you with is simple: take that feeling of excitement, that spark that makes you feel truly alive, and use it to your advantage.

Your passion is something powerful. It can motivate you, inspire others, and help guide you towards opportunities you may never have imagined.

So, embrace what you love, follow your interests. After all, the greatest achievements often start with a simple feeling of excitement and the courage to follow it.

End Of Blog Sign-Off!

Today, I’m going to keep things short and sweet. It has definitely been a long week, but we are back with the hot weather, so please remember to stay hydrated, enjoy a nice cold drink, and make the most of the sunshine!

Also, a big good luck to England as they take on Norway in the quarter-finals! Hopefully, we have another exciting match to enjoy.

Have a lovely, relaxing weekend!

Until Next Week

Aisha.