In this episode I sit down with one of my oldest friends, for less of a formal interview and more of a catchup. Afiyah and I went to the same primary school and briefly the same secondary school. Afiyah now works in philanthropy for the university of SOAS.

We talk very frankly about how race and religion both played a part in her development but also in our friendship with one another. She talks with such humour about how a British Asian identity needn’t be a dichotomy. We also touch very frankly on the social racial divisions that existed at our school and how common this phenomenon seems to be.

In a slight diversion from the topic at hand Afiyah and I also explore arranged marriages vs western dating and I hope my Mother listens and takes note. 

There are points in the episode that we reference specific schools. Rest assured this shouldn’t distract from a listener’s enjoyment if they aren’t familiar with these schools. This segment of conversation serves to remind us of how decisions around schooling can make big impacts on a person. It’s also Afiyah expressing her love for the extraordinarily complex school that she remained at for seven years, and how even for an academic child an academic school is not always the best option. 

Now, in her adulthood, we discuss the incredible work that Afiyah does now. Specifically we touch on her work ensuring that students with refugee status are not excluded from attending university. You can find out more on the Sanctuary Scholarships here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkhGS3aDytk.

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Edited by Connor Hughes 
Original Artwork by Oliver Rosser