The MetroMind Collective

Why  is it so hard to just be yourself? When will I ever make friends at  uni ? Is it normal to feel lonely at university?    These are all questions I've asked myself during my time at university. As I’ve grown and developed, the idea of loneliness can feel quite embarrassing and not worth mentioning because everyone around you seems to have it figured out and be happy, with a close-knit friendship group and feeling content with the new friends they have made. When you’re the only one struggling to fit in, find the right friendship group, or deal with drama in a group you probably shouldn’t be in, it can feel exhausting, suffocating, and incredibly anxiety-inducing. When you look around university, it seems almost impossible for anyone to be ‘lonely’, especially in this age of abundant entertainment and technology that keeps everyone up to date and involved with the world. However, ironically, you might be surprised to realise that it can be the exact opposite, whic...

Love Island, the wildly popular British reality TV show, has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions with its drama, romance, and sun-soaked escapades. However, behind the glamorous facade lies a host of issues, particularly concerning the representation and treatment of contestants, especially those from minority backgrounds. This blog post will delve into these issues, examining the lack of people of colour (POC) representation, online hate comments, and the broader implications for the contestants involved. During my years as a dedicated Love Island viewer, I've identified two critical issues that stand out: the show's lack of diversity and the online hate directed at contestants. These topics are essential when discussing the negative aspects of Love Island and their broader impact on society. The Diversity Dilemma Lack of POC Representation One of the most glaring issues with Love Island is its historically poor representation of POC contestants. Despite the UK...

Whilst at work, I found myself distracted, pondering over the term "situationship." Out of nowhere, it struck me just how much this seemingly harmless concept has infiltrated our lives and, dare I say, contributed to the downfall of civilisation. Before you dismiss this as a dramatic overstatement, hear me out—this thought has been brewing ever since a situationship plunged me into an early midlife crisis and a four-month depression. The Birth of the Situationship A situationship, for those blissfully unaware, is a romantic relationship that's undefined or uncommitted. It's more than friends with benefits but less than a committed partnership. It's a limbo where two people share intimate moments without the label of boyfriend or girlfriend, creating an ambiguity that, frankly, can drive one mad. Essentially, a sitiuationship is 'matching someone's freak' without the title. My Situationship Story It all started innocently enough. I met someone who seeme...

As a university student, juggling academics, social life, and finances can be a daunting task. Finding a job that fits around your study schedule and still leaves you with enough time to enjoy your university experience is essential. Thankfully, there are several student-friendly jobs that can help you earn extra cash without compromising your grades or sanity. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best jobs for students, focusing on opportunities in hospitality and social media. Hospitality Jobs The hospitality industry is a popular choice for students looking to earn extra money. These jobs often offer flexible hours, allowing you to work around your class schedule. Here are some top hospitality jobs to consider: 1. Waitstaff Working as a waiter or waitress is a classic student job. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are always looking for reliable staff, especially during peak hours. The tips can significantly boost your earnings, and the experience can improve your communicati...

In April 2016, Beyoncé released her groundbreaking visual album Lemonade, a bold and unapologetic exploration of race, gender, and identity. This album not only showcased Beyoncé’s artistic prowess but also cemented her place as a cultural and political icon. Lemonade resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, sparking conversations about race, gender equality, and the experiences of Black women. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the cultural impact of Lemonade and how it has contributed to the discourse on race and gender equality. Celebrating Black Womanhood At its core, Lemonade is a celebration of Black womanhood. The album’s visuals and lyrics pay homage to the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black women. Beyoncé draws from a rich tapestry of African American culture, history, and spirituality, creating a work that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. By centring Black women in her narrative, Beyoncé challenges the mainstream media’s often narrow and stereotypic...

Decolonisation is a term historically associated with the dismantling of colonial empires and the liberation of nations under colonial rule. In the 21st century, however, decolonisation has taken on new dimensions, focusing on the systemic changes needed to address the lingering legacies of colonialism in various aspects of society, including education, culture, politics, and economics. This blog post explores what decolonisation means today and how it can be pursued to foster a more equitable and inclusive world. Understanding Modern Decolonisation In contemporary discourse, decolonisation extends beyond the political independence of countries to include the deconstruction of colonial ideologies and structures that persist in societies worldwide. The different types of decolonisation explored in this blog post involves: Cultural Decolonisation: Reclaiming and revitalising indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions that were suppressed or eradicated under colonial rule. Educational...