Lessons I’ve learned in my teens 

The amazing things that you have accomplished.

Turning twenty, two months ago and with the new year around the corner, I thought that it would be a good time to reflect on the lessons that I have learnt in my teens.

1. You will be heard

Occasionally, it may feel like you are not being heard. However, don’t feel worried, as there is someone out there willing to listen to you, teachers or family members, so speak up and share your opinions.

2. Get involved in events

Events are a great way to socialise and meet new people, so even if it is just small events try and get involved. Start with the small parts and build up from there, as this can be a good way to expand your knowledge and learn new things.

3. Take your own time

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t upset that certain things took longer for me to complete, but that’s okay, as over the years I have learnt that it is okay to take your time, making sure that you are doing things in a way that suits you best. Most importantly remember that you will get there.

4. Keep a record of your achievements

There are times that I feel down and think that I can’t achieve much due to my disability. However, when I look back at my achievements, for example taking part in sports events, this makes me feel happy and know that I should not give up. Therefore, use a diary or pictures to look back on your achievements. Letting you know the amazing things that you have accomplished.

5. Support networks

Support networks may take the time to find. Nonetheless, once you have found it don’t let go as they can be extremely beneficial in giving advice and help you when needed. This is where I would like to acknowledge The Advocacy Academy, Access Aspirations and HemiHelp, thank you.

I would also like to take this time to acknowledge Disability History Month UK.

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Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This product is very affordable compared to high brand products.

Today, I will be talking about #MyLoveForMicellar, which is one of my favourite skincare products!!

A colleague recommended this product to me and judging by her flawless skin it seemed like a product to try. So, I decided to buy the 125 ml ‘on the go’ Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to test it out.

I was wary about the product as I had never used their brand previously. However, as a consumer, it was reassuring to know that the cleanser had been ‘dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested’. In addition to this, the neutral colour appealed to me and it contains no perfume which is perfect for sensitive skin like mine.

I tend to use the Cleansing Water at night to remove my makeup. It removes a vast amount of makeup residue, including waterproof mascara even after using facial wipes.

One of the best feelings is knowing that it does not need to be rinsed off. This makes life easier for me as I struggle with consistent daily skin care routines, especially at night when I just want to curl up in bed.

After using the cleanser, I apply a small quantity of coconut oil on my face before bed. In the morning, I have noticed that my skin feels fresh, smooth and light weight.

This product is very affordable compared to high brand products.

Check out their website for more information, and enter their competition.

Website link: http://www.garnier.co.uk/skin-care/beauty/garnier/micellar

Morrisons tend to do frequent offers and discount. I remember I bought my 125 ml cleansing water for £1. Check out their website for offers and deals:

https://groceries.morrisons.com/webshop/getSearchProducts.do?clearTabs=yes&isFreshSearch=true&chosenSuggestionPosition=&entry=micellar

SALES ALERT: Boots are selling Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for £3.33 from £4.99 (30.08.16)

Website link: http://www.boots.com/en/Garnier-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-400ml_1440752/

I have not had an opportunity to try their other products, but if you have what products do you recommend and why?

*This post is not sponsored*

Disabled Student’s Allowance

Need more information on  Disabled Student’s Allowance.?  Read my guest blog post on Great With Disability here 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros and cons of student accommodation

 

Taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages

The decision of whether to live at home or to stay in hall’s (university accommodation.) Took a while for me to make. However, after taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages. I eventually decided to stay in halls as, I wanted my own space as well as, peace and quiet. From my personal point of view The advantages of living in hall’s are,

• Having your own space.
• Getting to socialise with people.
• Being closer to university (That depends on where your accommodation is situated.)
• Reduce traveling time – (Again that depends on where your accommodation is situated.)

Whereas, the disadvantages of living in halls are,

• It can be expensive.
• There may be conflict.
• Limited kitchen space.
• Being away from home (If you are living outside London and like being near your family and friends.)

My top tips for living in halls would be

• Have a cleaning timetable.
• Remember to clean out your layer of the fridge often.
• When you are cooking be mindful of your other housemates.
• Make sure to report any things that need to be repaired (for example light not working, tap leaking) as soon as possible, and keep a log.)

Overall, looking back at my time in halls during the first year of university. I would say that I enjoyed myself, as it gave me a chance to socialise and meet new people, and visit my friend who lived in halls. In addition, to having fun and interesting memories to look back on.

Now it is over to you, as I would love to hear about your experience and advice for  staying in halls, so comment below.

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A day in the life of Twitter HQ

It is important for young people to take ownership and have independence.

 

Through Access Aspirations, I got invited to a networking event held at Twitter HQ, which I thoroughly enjoyed as it was wonderful to see and talk to many professionals within the technology industry. Despite the fact that the jobs are challenging to get, it was refreshing to hear again that there are jobs.

In addition to this. It was truly an inspiration to hear the professionals talk about women getting a job within the industry encouraging us to never let our gender get in the way of achieving, highlighting that there has been as a massive improvement in women getting jobs within this century. As a proud black disabled woman, that was so great to hear.

Whilst at Twitter HQ, I got to take part in a speed-dating style networking event giving us a chance to ask questions and hear their views on the pivotal role technology is playing in jobs today, (which gives  jobs  a chance to reach more customers), and  where technology is  heading in the future. In addition to this when I asked the question ‘what is the best way to continue to motivate young people? one of the professionals mentioned that it is important for young people to take ownership and have independence.

From a university student’s perspective, it was great to see the younger students passionate and asking questions in regards to the technology industry. An important note for students on the Access Aspirations programme is to make sure you check your emails in order to be aware of the opportunities.

 

For more on  Access Aspirations vist

 

http://access-workplacements.org/

 

 

A day at The Beaumont Hotel

Never give up and keep focused on my dream

Taking a break from uni, I attended a business meeting alongside Amelia Viney with Colin Gottlieb at The Beaumont Hotel. I had an amazing time there, with no tea spilling everywhere (seriously so happy about that). During this meeting, I got to add some new words to my vocabulary such as zeitgeist , whilst listening to an amazing talk on the history of advertising, and politics with Amelia and Colin sharing their views.

One of my favourite parts of the day was explaining the phenomenal work of The Advocacy Academy, as one of the questions I was asked by Colin was why did I apply to The Advocacy Academy.? To which I responded by saying that ‘I wanted to get out of my comfort zone’ (Amelia definitely accomplished her mission on that one.) On a serious note, words can’t describe how happy I am, that I grabbed that opportunity with two hands and had an open mind.

Another one of my favourite parts of the day was listening to Colin and his OMD journey. This gave me more motivation to never give up and keep focused on

Fresher’s fair

I enjoyed fresher’s fair

I was encouraged by my sister to go to fresher’s events, so I decided that I would pick a couple of events that I wanted to go to, as I didn’t want to go to all of them. The fresher’s fair was a really cool event and a must in my opinion! It gave me a chance to see the societies I potentially wanted to sign up for, and better yet get freebies (Nandos, slice of Domino’s pizza.)

I enjoyed fresher’s fair because I got to see and expand my choices on what societies I wanted to join, although I went there with a set agenda in my mind, which was changed when I got there.

One of my favourite memories alongside nominating myself to run in the student elections for Disabled student officer, was meeting a member of the SWAG (Someone Who Admires God) society. I am a Christian, so this was amazing to me to have a society within my university that I could engage in and discuss Christianity, whilst upholding my Christian morals and values.

One piece of advice from me brought to my attention (again by my sister) is be careful with your spending (no disrespect to societies), but some societies were trying to get me to sign up to things for a monthly fee, although it looked really good in theory I realised that I would not really use these offers, therefore, it was not really beneficial for me and not a wise way for me to spend my money.

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The mixed feelings of starting university

I was set on approaching University with a positive mindset

As the days of the summer holidays got shorter, that only meant one thing, the start date to university was slowly approaching, although I tried to put it at the back of my mind. To be honest, with you the realisation did not truly hit me until all my stuff was packed (thanks to my mum and sister) and my family were driving me up to my University.

Thoughts, such as what if people don’t like me? I can’t wait to start my course surfaced my mind during the journey, despite the fact that I was set on approaching University with a positive mindset. Nonetheless, I think the weather was agreeing with me as it was sunny or, at least, it looked sunny for London weather.

When I got there my nerves were still kicking in. If it was down to me I would have happily stayed in my room after my family helped me unpack (not to say that I am anti-social or anything, but my comfort zone is basically me sitting in my room listening to music on my laptop). However, my sister was on my case for me to go and talk to my housemates and she won (fist pump emoji). I nervously walked down to greet the rest of my housemates, one housemate had already greeted me when I was unpacking earlier. After a warm greeting agian, I set off with my sister for a walk around my university in order to try and get a little bit familiar with my university again. When I got back it was time for me to say my goodbyes, as my family were leaving me to get settled into my accommodation. I was now ‘all by myself’, yep reality kicking in.