Seven Questions with... Nowsha Farha

Why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I am studying a Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods BSc, which comprises Advanced Data Science and a wide range of Social Science modules. The prevalence and persistence of social problems around the globe inspired my decision because of the potential of the course to equip me with the skills required in order to compare and analyse social challenges both quantitatively and qualitatively.

I aspire to become a policy-maker in the long run. Through implementation of effective policies, I hope to promote social progress and eradicate prejudice. In my opinion, economics, politics and social policy are interconnected. Thus, a sound policy will focus on prioritizing each of these fields which is the fundamental essence of my course.

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

During summer, I took part in the Global Citizenship Programme which taught me the importance of collective and meaningful actions. It brings together students from across UCL to explore the biggest global challenges. You pick a strand to join – I took part in Power to the Planet!

Each of the strands link to UCL's Grand Challenges themes of global health and justice and equality and foster the development of skills for global citizenship, such as campaigning and social entrepreneurship.

The term ‘Global Citizenship’ in itself symbolizes the attempt to instil a positive mind-set within students where each individual is able to relate to the moral obligation of bearing the responsibility of protecting this world through restoration of peace and social integration. Hence, I feel more empowered than ever.

Register your interest via the online form. You're just showing interest at this stage – registration opens on 6 December.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

Food vouchers and discounts are my personal favourites, mostly the ones we get via Unidays. I hang out and catch up with my friends from other departments and universities more often because of this incentive.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

• I always love taking a walk down the Riverside and checking out the exhibitions inside Tate Modern.
• I happen to love the ambience of Farmer’s Markets too and find that eating is a great way to engage with others.
• This is kind of a challenge. Basically, I want people to finish taking a proper tour of the British Museum in one day and record the length of time it took them to successfully complete this task/mission!

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

In my opinion, learning doesn't only involve academic content. How we behave, treat others, what we believe in, our ideals, attitudes, morals, faith in humanity and positive thinking too are integral part of learning. Hence, I would promote learning as a shared experience of collective thinking rather than just as an individual act of absorbing information.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents. They provide me with the confidence day in and day out to create my own identity, pave my own path, live life to the fullest and never be afraid of challenging stereotypes and overcoming indiscernible barriers.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am a trained classical dancer, along with being a choreographer. Both dancing and fencing are like my energy-boosters and without their doses, I don’t feel pumped up enough to go out there and conquer the world in terms of accomplishing my dreams and creating differences in the lives of people. They are like my drugs!