I’ve finally found a creative platform where I’m able to express myself with thoughts and feelings regarding topics around misrepresentation of individuals. We’ve seen a lot in the media of people who have been heavily stereotyped, mistreated, labelled, and discriminated against. The cases are shocking, the way some publications write or post media in such ignorant ways can often make one believe that these stereotypes are true.

But we have to remember, social media, used  correctly, is BRILLIANT. We have our own platforms to speak truth, honesty, and we’re lucky enough to freely express our thoughts, so why not use a publishing tool to do just that, except make it into an online magazine? Exactly!

And that’s what ic3 do. We shed positive lights on people who wouldn’t usually receive it through mainstream media. People read ic3, discuss ic3, learn new stories and testimonies about these people, whilst discovering what great things they’re doing, and then grow from it. Just knowing that we’ve been able to change the way people think, proves that being a creative can positively change people’s mind set about mainstream media’s perceptions and labels.

Ic3 have so much in store for 2016. We plan to give you so much more visuals, and open up your eyes to how you see people in your everyday life.

Follow our journey! >>

http://www.ic3mag.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Ic3mag-871146346259486/timeline

https://twitter.com/ic3mag

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Anyone that knows me personally knows I absolutely love to network like crazy! Even when exhausted after a long day, meeting and connecting with new people is a big love of mine, it expands my connection base as a whole, and it's awesome saying I personally know and speak to people from not only the BBC, but CNN, ITV, MTV, and more.

I'm blessed enough to have a strong base of close friends as well as family, but these people have become more than connections, but great friends of mine also that I met this year. Hopefully they won't cringe at this! Haha! In no particularly order here goes it...

Cris
http://www.ic3mag.com/2015/11/one-night-sleep-out-for-young-homeless.html 

I met Cris in the first few days of January, after agreeing to become part of our new innovative platform, ic3 - we met over our first meeting about launching the online magazine. We always joke about meeting for the first time, and how I thought he'd be the complete opposite to how he turned out to be. After a few sentences, we immediately clicked and got along so, so well. Since then we are constantly in contact, making each other laugh and building a beautiful friendship. He's broadened my interest in photography and even the idea of one day, travelling alone. His outlook on life and general 'hippyness' inspires me, and I'm so blessed to have gained a brother like Cris!

Phoebe
http://phoebeparke.com/

The first time we met was hilarious. Me being my wacky networking self after a few glasses of wine, I boldly approached Phoebe exclaiming that I'd definitely seen her face before...on a billboard. She immediately freaked out and started asking how and where I could've seen her face...on a billboard?! I finally came to my senses then realised her face is familiar, from a twitter profile pic...where she followed me a few months before meeting her in person. Awkward! But super funny. It's been so nice not only being able to connect with her on a professional basis - she's at CNN, I'm at the BBC, but fellowshipping together at Ladies Who Fellowship, and building a sweet and genuine friendship in general! She's a sweetheart and I'm blessed to have met and got close with her this year.

Ra'ed
https://www.gofundme.com/roadtosamos
As well as being a flipping humanitarian G which I had no idea about when I met him, I didn't expect to meet such a sweet and warm soul in Ra'ed. Within a few moments of speaking, we realised that we shared the same birthday! Now that's special. I met him at a networking event, where I was my usual bubbly self, then later became upset by a comment someone had made to me. Ra'ed was super kind about it, and never fails to make me smile. Only later on did I then realise that he regularly takes time out to travel miles and miles to help, clothe and support refugees that have suffered due to the migrant crisis. His documented journeys reminds me how much more beautiful people in this world like him, still exist. Thank God for his life! 

Amrit
http://amarettosworld.tumblr.com/
Amrit!! We always scream when we see each other it's hilarious! I met her shortly after her starting at BBC Asian Network. Not only is she such a bubbly, wild, beautiful and spontaneous soul, but her work ethic is INSANE. She's always on the go, travelling one from bbc building to another, working on live events, interviews, giving talks, reviews, working hard across all the social media platforms she looks after, and works full time, as well as maintaining a good social life. It's so inspiring to see a young gorgeous lady like Amrit do her thing and make the most of each opportunity - people like this only go higher and succeed whilst on the journey towards greatness. Wishing this babe nothing but the best.


David
http://arisemaggospel.com/
I connected with David through my mentoring scheme page Pursue Your Passion. He could see the things my cofounder Rachel and I were hoping to achieve, and was keen to interview us for the magazine he's an editor of! Rachel and I thought 'why not?', and gave it a go! Not only was he infectiously polite, smiley and giggly, but he does so much on a daily basis! He works a very rewarding and admirable job at UBM, he has such a warm outlook on life and is living proof that you can serve and have a driven career path at the same time.

There are many others who I've honestly been so blessed to have met and connected with this year, but these beauts popped into mind and I had to also show them love! Ask yourself the same question: who are you so grateful to have met and surrounded yourself with this year?

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For the entire year, I've been blessed enough to work full time at one of the world's biggest organisations. I look back and sometimes ask "what kept me going?" - all the crazy shifts, meetings, interviews, talks, networking meets, presenting on air and on tv, all the awesome events, meetings, connecting and even becoming friends with the most hard-working people I've met. 2015 at the BBC has honestly been so rewarding, in so many ways. Crazy thankful. Let me pop a few photos below as my visuals seem to be a lot stronger than words. :)

During my time at BBC radio 2 earlier this year, I was always keen to explore other radio station channels and see how they work. I had connected with an assistant producer who works on Woman's Hour, and was invited to sit in on a beyond brilliant show with them. Gosh, the amount of work that is put in for a 1 hour show..it's a lot!

I moved from one show to the other after a set amount of time spent with each team in the show at radio 2. The people I worked with in the afternoon show were the last people I'd imagine to mesh so well with (as well as the presenter). It was so sweet and thoughtful of them to give me a goodbye card as well as a cheesecake. It genuinely makes me well up thinking about it. Ah, the feeling of appreciation is such a wonderful thing!

Working on live shows meant still coming in on public holiday days. My alarm clock went off at 5:30am on Good Friday and Easter Monday to go to work; now that's definitely a first! :)

Radio training courtesy of the BBC academy, and being able to record my own show/podcast. I was slightly nervous at first but now that I'm at community radio regularly, it gives me more confidence when speaking on a live radio show with limited amount of time.

Queen Peggy Mitchell!! I fully waited 5 minutes to have this pic with her. Long live the original landlady of Albert Square's pub!

Randomly doodling around radio 2 studios and seeing my country's capital was a "oooooo that's so interesting" moment

Early commutes to work that were actually quite refreshing! You really do get so much out of the day.

Forever grateful for such an incredible platform that openly supports me in gaining more skills across various areas at the BBC. Definitely need to utilise this place more regularly!

Summer!!! Meeting my friend for froyo on a lunch break whilst gazing upon Oxford Circus (shortly after this pic was taken, a lady walked past us - bare foot. Guess it was really hot then!)

The legend and sweetheart that is Dermot O'leary. One of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with as he danced 24 hours straight for charity!

Ping pong outside of work on a 23 degrees day. Why not.

During the time of the elections; what a time to be working on a current affairs programme!

Filming for BBC Trending! Such a surreal and enjoyable experience. Loads of fun! (and outtakes)

When your brother comes to your work, whilst he's also working on a show, at your work. B)

Fully lost count of the amount of strange, large and shocking things I've randomly seen displayed outside of New broadcasting house. Always a fun experience!

One of the things I'll forever love and miss about working at BBC music..enjoying live music..for free! Loved Lianne La Havas' live set.

Juke box selfie..why not!

Colleagues that get you birthday cards :')

After work drinks; current affairs selfie!!

Simon Webbe. Enough said! <3

The only work place where I've ever been allowed to wear headphones whilst working

5:55am selfie with The World Service' best journalists after coming on air after an awesome show!

Prepping for Radio 2 in Hyde Park

My "I've been at the BBC for a year" selfie :)

Claudia Wink and Tony Blackburn in lots of glitter at Radio 2 in Hyde Park

In the infinity room after a hectic but majorly enjoyable day #R2HydePark

Anneka Rice' weekend breakfast show. Yep. Got in at 5am. On a Saturday.Eek! #headwraponfleek

BBC Manchester (prob the most lushest building) for a day of journo training

Chatting with my lovely editor at BBC Africa and being caught by a friend via snapchat

Sarah Jane Crawford's leaving do...was invited after a casual chat with her for a couple of hours..what a hard-working and lovely presenter

We won the Black History Month quiz selfie! :)

The beyond and always beautiful views from the top of NBH

The next 1xtra DJ??? Lmao

Worked with this bubbly woman on her Arts Show and loved every moment. Really hope she won't kill me for putting this up!

First day at new job in BBC TV, it's only right I purchase a bag too! 

Creative Access, so so thankful for this place!

The DG...Tony Hall

Christmas do followed by karaoke, so much fun!

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I left secondary school 7 years ago, at the age of 15. I was sure I didn't want to stay in the sixth form, I was sure I wanted to go to a mixed college, learn more and broaden my horizon. One thing I was certainly sure of was that the 5 years spent at Our Lady's Convent High, were the best beginning years of life. I somehow think that things would be so different had I chosen somewhere else to spend those crucial 5 years.

I built and grew in the best of friendships, was very naive most of the time, but learnt a lot nonetheless. I was a bit of a class clown, who was seen as a bit of a weirdo for being so well spoken, having being brought up in Hackney! Normal is boring anyway :-)

I couldn't help but continuously ask teachers: "Was I a baddie? Did I ever annoy you?" and thankfully they always disagreed! Or maybe they were just so happy to see me that day that they didn't care about the old me ha! 

The main reason why I re-returned back to Our Lady's Convent High, was because I was invited to! I spoke to a bunch of sixth formers about future career goals and the hopes towards reaching where they hope to be. It was so refreshing being able to give honest, non-fluffy advice of my route down academia, deciding to go to a different college, which in actual fact prepared me towards studying my degree at uni, and so forth.

Everyone's journey is different. I felt so warm being able to openly express mine, and to let the girls know whatever their dreams and desirable career paths are, they can take them to many places, and that they should always be open to new experiences and never feel like life has an A-Z route.

I'm happy and grateful to not only work for the BBC, but to run a mentoring scheme being Pursue Your Passion, and to let my creative 'juices' flow by writing for ic3mag. I'm thankful for my journeys and wherever they take me, just as long as I'm doing what I love, I'm happy.

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