ABOUT
Me
Muser, Slight Madhatter, Proud Cymraes
There has always been one seemingly simple question that I’ve asked since I was a young child - Why? My sister still laughs - with a slight rolling of the eyes - at the memories of an older sister, as well as the fact that I never really stopped asking this question.
This has led to my adoration of philosophy and research, with my fascination of humans and the brain leading me to the brain sciences. Whilst I’ve always had an enjoyment of such things as physics, mathematics and the arts, it was philosophy and psychology that I was drawn to. This has led me to completing my BA (hons) in Philosophy and Psychological Studies, and my MSc in Psychology. My hope is to one day become a researcher (maybe even become a Professor O’Farrell) and integrate these subjects. Within the Brain Sciences, I have trained in Psychology, with a particular interest in experimental, social, clinical (particularly trauma), neuroscience, and cognitive. Within Philosophy my main interests lie within the philosophy of mind, metaphysics, ethics, and war (although I do often wander across the various branches such as epistemology and aesthetics).
I do have another passion, and whilst many may think this is somewhat different, I’d beg to differ. Ever since I would watch those appeals on TV at such a young age about war-torn countries, people having to walk miles for dirty water, I’ve had a passion for humanitarian work. I believe in equality. I believe in human rights. And whilst I’ve never had the money to give to charities, my mam taught me something more important - that I have the time and hard work to devote to them instead. So, that’s what I’ve always done.
In October 2020 I joined the Tanzania Development Trust - an entirely volunteer-run non-profit - and Mboni Ya Vijana as a Digital Manager. From creating the first digital team and strategy of the trust, to creating and managing websites and social media platforms, to working alongside our incredible Tanzanian representatives to create their first websites and socials to set up their own projects and grassroot organisations. I started with Mboni ya Vijana (Swahili for “Eyes of the Youth”), a grassroots community non-profit. It wasn’t long that this organisation held a special place in my heart - from taking climate action, getting access to clean water for all, empowering women through work, all from extreme poverty where their land is being destroyed by the changing climate.
Within this amazing experience I’ve also had incredible opportunities, such as holding a meeting with Tanzanian Commonwealth students, and meeting the incredible Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom and former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The Trust hoped I would stay working with them - quite frankly, I think they’ll have difficulty getting rid of me!
As a person, I have always had a fascination with other languages and cultures - as a child I made it a lifelong goal of mine to learn as many languages as possible so I can converse with others in their native tongue. I am currently learning Cymraeg, Kiswahili, and French. And the rest of the time? You’ll either find a pen attached to my hand, writing, trying to get a pencil in my hand to get back into art, with my musical instruments, or in the garden.
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The forest that is home, not far from where my grandparents lived, in the neighbouring mountain from ours.
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Ultimately, thanks to my Grandy Smith, I am a proud Cymraes (Welsh). I grew up in the Welsh mountains and forests, watching rugby with my Grandad with the red dragon always by my side. Our home truly is (for most) one of the most important places in our lifetime, instilling a deep sense of being within us. It is a place where we will define a meaning for ourselves, an identity. For myself, it is that true sense of belonging and grounding. It is seeing that lush green all around; of seeing the mountains and castles, the forests and oceans. It is the resilience, tenacity and passion of the working class family. It is the traditions such as the Eisteddfod; and it is hearing the hymns and arias in the pouring rain, especially hearing the "Land of my Fathers" being belted out just before kick-off at a rugby match as the fire roars all around with the spirit of the dragon. I am proudly learning the Cymraeg of my homeland that my Gran was discouraged from speaking - an all too common story that has prevented Welsh being passed on through the family.
Whilst I know the direction I’m aiming for, I’ve come to realise that we cannot always control our paths - therefore I’m not winging it through life, reminding myself of Helena's words from "A Midsummer Night's Dream".... Though she be but little, she is fierce.
