(English BA, 2014)
My main role is sourcing and creating images for Sky’s programming guide on the box. I maintain strong relationships with our partner channels, such as Netflix, Amazon etc. to source their best images for our Top Picks area.
What inspired you to study BA English at Queen Mary? Where does your passion for the subject come from?
I’ve held a passion for books from a young age, and always hoped to pursue a career in writing so it seemed a natural fit to study English at university. I actually joined Queen Mary studying Law, thinking it might hold more weight as a degree. However, I quickly realised my love for English couldn’t be ignored and the modules for this particular degree really called out to me. I transferred courses and never looked back!
What was special about your time at Queen Mary?
My fondest memories at Queen Mary definitely centre around my involvement in various student media outlets. During my time at the university, I worked as Sub-Editor of Cub magazine, Features Editor of QMessenger and News Editor of Bloody Mary; QMTV’s News show. I loved surrounding myself with like-minded people who I now see doing great things within the media industry. It also helped me develop my own skills and cement my passion in pursuing a career in media once I graduated.
Writing my dissertation was another fond memory as it gave me free reign to write on any topic. I loved immersing myself in subject areas that truly stimulated me and creating my own research.
My fondest memories at Queen Mary definitely centre around my involvement in various student media outlets. During my time at the university, I worked as Sub-Editor of Cub magazine, Features Editor of QMessenger and News Editor of Bloody Mary; QMTV’s News show.
Tell us briefly about your career journey after graduation.
After graduating, I did work experience at many media companies such as BBC, Channel 4 and Sky. After gaining a lot of experience and making solid contacts, I landed a role as Picture Editor at Sky. While it’s a creative role (which I love), I’ve found myself taking on more of a co-ordinator/manager role and I find my goals leaning more towards this now. While I continue to write since graduating, I’ve found I can continue this passion outside of my day job.
What does your current role as Picture Editor at Sky involve?
My main role is sourcing and creating images for Sky’s programming guide on the box. I maintain strong relationships with our partner channels, such as Netflix, Amazon etc. to source their best images for our Top Picks area. Our team also research and license images for Sky News stories, often going to air within a few hours. But no matter how different each day is, I’m always using Photoshop at some point!
Why would you recommend that prospective students choose to study BA English based on your experience?
Studying BA English taught me a number of transferrable and soft skills which I still apply today. Covering modules on feminism, colonialism, Black and Asian writing and others, opened my eyes to different perspectives and experiences which allowed me to become more empathic and understanding of various cultures. Interpreting a range of texts with fellow course mates developed my questioning nature, which is something I use when I carry out any piece of work.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year in particular, the aim is to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health. Throughout your lifetime, have there been any instances where you have experienced loneliness and if so, how have you overcome these feelings?
I certainly experienced bouts of loneliness when studying my Law degree. My heart wasn’t into the course and I was surrounded by students who hoped to pursue a career in the field. And here I was, writing blogs and dreaming of working in broadcast media! On top of this, I was a new, first year student and lived at home, so I couldn’t connect with others through freshers events etc. The only way I could overcome this was by changing my circumstances. I managed to get accommodation in the second semester and started joining societies to connect with more like-minded people.
On your LinkedIn, you link to an article you published which discusses mental health amongst the South Asian community. Can you summarise the key points you make in this article?
In this blog, I explored the stigmas surrounding mental health amongst the British South Asian community. There are many unique factors that contribute to mental health challenges in this group, such as racial discrimination, religion, patriarchal pressures, postcolonial trauma etc. However, mental illness is still perceived as a sign of weakness, often blamed on karma or even the individual’s past wrongdoings. As a result, mental health issues are shrouded in shame, with many unable to get the support they need. Often those who do seek professional help are let down by a lack of culturally sensitive support services and therapists, which can also discourage South Asians from accessing the right resources. While the conversations are slowly opening up, there’s still a long way to go in eradicating the taboo nature of the topic in this community.
Why are you passionate about being a mental health advocate for this community and more widely?
I’ve experienced first-hand the silence that surrounds mental health within the South Asian community and it means that many people do not get the support that they need. Without openly talking about our mental health and suppressing our feelings, we only make the issues worse. The secrecy and shame mean many are suffering alone, when in actual fact, 1 in 4 people will experience mental health issues in their lifetime. We must raise awareness of mental health so that people feel less alone in their struggles and can openly seek help as early as possible.
Covering modules on feminism, colonialism, Black and Asian writing and others, opened my eyes to different perspectives and experiences which allowed me to become more empathic and understanding of various cultures.
One of the aims of MHAW is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health that can stop people from asking for help. In your opinion, what are some of the misconceptions associated with mental health?
That those who suffer from mental health issues are weaker than others or they’re to blame for not handling aspects of their life properly. That they are dangerous and must be treated differently. That all those with mental illness can’t function in everyday life. That medical treatment is the only cure. Or even that mental health isn’t a medical condition and doesn’t need to be treated. There are so many misconceptions that conflict each other but these are some of the most common ones I’ve heard.
Finally, what do you think needs to be done to challenge these misconceptions?
One word – talking. It sounds simple enough but for those who experience mental health issues, it’s extremely challenging. However, if we can find that one person we trust to share even a little about what we’re going through, you’ll be surprised by how uplifting that can feel. One thing that shocked me the most was the amount of acceptance and understanding when I shared my own feelings. I was surprised to find that so many of my closest friends had also gone through similar experiences over the years, with some going through therapy – and I didn’t have a clue! We quickly realised we’d been going through the same challenges without each other’s support, despite our closeness and openness in other areas. If I hadn’t taken the very difficult step of opening up, we would have continued to believe we were all alone - and we’re not.
If you would like to get in touch with Tasha or engage her in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.