Humans of UCL: students, staff, visitors - everyone has a story

You may have come across the world-renowned Humans of New York blog, but were you aware of Humans of UCL? Since 2013, a group of UCL students have been sharing the stories and thoughts of fellow students, staff and visitors around campus.

Here's just a snapshot of those featured this academic year.

My role in science isn't defined by me being female

"Even though science is a male-dominated field, it's not something I've been actively conscious of. I've been doing martial arts from a young age, which is also a predominantly male sport, so I'm used to being surrounded by guys. It wasn't until I began applying to university and attending induction days that I realised how male-oriented science actually is. I'm not intimidated though. I never look around and think, 'Oh, I'm the only girl here'. My role in science isn't defined by me being female."

Maybe we use certain words to give our expressions tentative confidence

"Have you noticed how much we use 'like', 'kinda', 'ya'know' and even 'or something' in the middle of our sentences? I think it's become subconscious, and we're no longer aware just how much we, or others, do it. I noticed it most in freshers' week and it seems to have calmed down since then, which made me wonder whether we also use these words because we don't want to appear too sure of ourselves and outspoken in front of new people. If we outrightly state our opinion, without any hesitance, and they disagree, it creates a distance, a confrontation that is uncomfortable because we want everyone to like us. So I had this idea that maybe we use these words to give our expressions tentative confidence."

I give lectures to adults on how to work with blind kids

"I've just finished my PhD in Teaching Blind Children, and now I actually give lectures to adults on how to work with blind kids. It wasn't something I ever thought of doing when I was an undergrad, but I've always been interested in the ways people interact with each other. Then, when it came to doing my Master's and finding a supervisor for my dissertation, I was directed towards someone who specialised in visual impairments - that's where it started. I've learnt a lot from working with blind children; they're so bright and full of energy. I guess you could say that's being human. Oh, and they have an amazing sense of humour!"

Sometimes it takes a drink or two for people to loosen up here

"When I first arrived here from Lebanon I used to smile and say 'hi' to other passengers on the tube. Some people would just stare at me and others would turn away. I got the occasional smile back but eventually I stopped. I can understand though - it's just a matter of differing cultures: I've got used to the idea that sometimes it takes a drink or two for people to loosen up here!"

I think only by being alone do you really reflect on yourself

"I find it odd how we can go through our entire lives without knowing who we really are. We have so many different personalities with different people, but among all of those personalities, which one is actually 'you'? I think only by being alone do you really reflect on yourself. Even then, you have to put effort into it. But once you understand who you are, and come to terms with your flaws, I'm sure you'll be happy. And if you also manage to find someone who can accept them, well, you are one lucky person. You just sussed out the key to life's greatest challenge - happiness."

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