What began as a list is now Chapter One of SEEN:One Hundred. Thank you to my first fifty, through each of you I have seen the beginnings of something rather special.
Photography & accompanying text by Meg Khan © 2020
St.Katherines Dock 9:23pm 14/08/2020
Westward Ho, Upton Park, Edinburgh, Potters Bar and everywhere in between, Georgia has lived in such a variety of places.
Artist, illustrator, teacher, blacksmith, mother, hypnotherapist, running her own mini-art school and everything in between, she has lived a variety of roles. The common thread amongst it all has always been her freedom to choose.
Lauriston Road 6:54pm 21/08/2020
Born nineteen years ago, the first grandchild of two families, Sana’s early years were spent amongst adults and their many conversations. Now nineteen years young, as Sana’s youth shines, as does her compassion, heart, humour, intellect and resolve, she fills those very adults with such promise of what is yet to come.
Victoria Park 5:05pm 02/09/2020
In a room filled with conversation, debate and encouraged uneasiness to question opinions, a quiet Melissa observed this new phenomenon playing out in front of her. To give voice to her thoughts, have them heard and her existence seen, became the caterpillar to this beautiful butterfly.
Now in words both spoken and written, Melissa expresses a world of tenderness, understanding, fairness, love, and one that recreates that very room where it all began for her.
Canary Wharf 3:35pm 03/09/2020
A quiet brilliance, like a swan gliding effortlessly across the riverbank, pays minimal homage to the sheer effort needed to make it all happen. “Your effort and the work you do is in direct correlation with the options you then have.” I listen and learn from this incredible, humble young man sat opposite me.
I first met Ahmed’s quiet brilliance during a conversation when he was just eleven years old. This poised young individual knows who he is, what he wishes to focus on and incredibly so, emphasises, “I always, always have enough.”
Museum Street 2:37pm 04/09/2020
Smiling is the very first memory I associate with Saadia. Followed by the abundance of joy that exudes from her is a determination to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by her parents. She strives to learn, study, excel and work amongst the best. To continually build her belief in the potential so many speak of.
East London is home and so too are the brightly-coloured streets of Pakistan. Exposed to two worlds that both hold privilege, opportunity and challenge, Saadia has always been steered by social mobility. She will be a great example of a woman who works towards and empowers positive change.
Truman Brewery 12:55pm 05/09/2020
A teacher, like the history books and maybe even our own experiences show us, can change our lives. They can make an impact far beyond a grade or number. But rather their consistent voice of encouragement, recognising you from amongst thirty others and their ability to facilitate a better understanding of our own potential, makes for something very special.
Muna had this very experience in a tucked away classroom in the humanities block of her school. That strong, fearless and powerful woman that taught her so very much, became the catalyst for Muna to strive for the same.
Endeavour Square 4:47pm 05/09/2020
Remaining the same seems like a hopeless concept. One that both interests Elizabeth’s ever thinking mind and keeps her from becoming exactly that. The thinking, her music and with a camera in hand, her experimentation with creativity is a vital part of her acquisition of knowledge.
This seventeen year old’s journey so far has already offered much to ponder over. An ever increasing awareness, coupled with the pursuit of self discovery makes for a rather interesting, acutely witty young woman.
Water Lane 4:17pm 06/09/2020
“Why are you angry that I am black, a woman or a Muslim?” The question Farhia puts to people when faced with racism, sexism or Islamaphobia. She doesn’t wish to argue, but rather this kind, warm-hearted, intelligent young woman is intrigued by another person’s upset or outrage at what she is so very proud of being.
Gratitude, whilst standing in the middle of this vibrant city, is the word that underpins so much of Farhia’s life. From the everyday blessings she lists, all of them, and so many more have become the benchmark by which she hopes to be of use to others.
Stratford Walk 4:58pm 07/09/2020
The gentle smile that appears on Simona’s face simply represents the certainty she feels. One that could be measured by her strength of character, poise and a rather unwavering ability to always find a way. Her quiet perseverance and an interest in what she will do next, has made for many brilliant conversations between us both.
Stratford Walk 5:08pm 07/09/2020
Quite simply; she can. There are no two other words that could describe this young woman who just seven years ago could only speak a few words of English. Arriving in a new country, Mithila took her time to observe, take note and gravitated towards students who were also driven to do well. Her achievements to date make for an extraordinary list and her plans for the future, well they’re just very Mithila.
Wheler Street 2:28pm 09/09/2020
Exuberant. Talented. Vivacious. Intelligent. Wordsmith. Aspirational.
An absolute blessing.
Ebor Street 3:05pm 09/09/2020
Through a cocktail of assumptions, speculations and good old first impressions we can decide who someone is. This can run deeper, be damaging, discriminative, unfair and just completely incorrect. To know me, Dise shares, you must know more of me beyond what you see and the presumptions you carry with you. More than the eye can see, that’s me.
Chance Street 3:35pm 09/09/2020
During a recent zoom call as I sat at home and Ann in her room at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, we caught up on her new life at university. Regardless of her incredible achievement, the hard work that got her there and a world that is ever so slowly becoming accessible for all, her innate sense of fun, joy and laughter shone the brightest.
‘Take me as I am!’ Ann says effortlessly.
Wanstead High Street 12:44pm 10/09/2020
To be a student in Mr.Bateman’s classroom meant that you had entered a space full of life. To teach English by reawakening stories from years gone by, the characters, words, poetry and hidden meaning, filled every lesson in his classroom. Pen in hand, the yellow notebook out in front of me, I was all in, every time.
Now as a friend, I see a great life, lived. Through his stories of travel, meeting new people and setting himself a range of challenges, Pete Bateman is still my most favourite teacher of all!
Upper Street 9:25pm 11/09/2020
They say it’s not how good you think you are, it’s how good you want to be. Mix this with an unbridled will to work hard, find a way, design it, create it and be it, makes for a rather special teacher, mentor and friend. In her classroom adorned with colour, fabric, dimensions and light, Nicola looks at each of her students with the same will to instil in them, that they too can be as good if not as brilliant as they want to be.
Stratford Park 12:45pm 12/09/2020
Don’t let that beautiful smile fool you. This young person is ready, strong, committed and incredible. In a rare quiet corner of Stratford I listen to this athlete tell me about her vigorous training schedule, the theory she needs to learn and the challenges faced in a college environment that is yet to become as fair and accepting as it should.
I see such strength and it stays with me for days after.
Forest Tavern 3:13pm 12/09/2020
With a friendship built on a mutual interest in what one another has planned next, the conversations highlight our shared love for travel, seeking the next opportunity and of course, food. Cait’s adventures across the world started as a child, having attended a variety of schools, with an array of languages spoken, she has kept that fire burning throughout her adult life. The stories of her solo adventures and experiences, and the many strings to her bow, will always drive me to any coffee shop to listen some more.
Forest Tavern 5:32pm 12/09/2020
To the sunshine,
the conversation,
the friends,
the wonderful stories,
cheers!
Southend-on-sea 5:31pm 13/09/2020
I have never known another like you.
Your will, courage, faith and now motherhood, sits warmly in my heart.
One day we will each reunite.
Stratford Westfield 11:48am 14/09/2020
To be in thought, understanding and to be, is my joy.
How do I capture these poignant words spoken and thoughts shared across a table in a noisy coffee shop? I pick up my camera without another thought and capture a moment in Grace’s eyes that I hope illustrates exactly that.
She is full of grace.
Pier Head 2:19pm 14/09/2020
Courage.
Does not mean to be without challenge, turmoil or hard work.
It means to be right at the centre of all those things and still, still do the best you can.
And you prove this to be true, at every stage Umran.
Cabot Square 2:07pm 15/09/2020
We walk amongst the shiny, tall skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and I listen as Laura updates me on things. Entering her third year of reading English, starting a new more progressive society at university, becoming a law brand ambassador, applying for places on magic circle schemes to further her pursuit of becoming a solicitor, I hear a formidable force growing in this young woman.
Finchley 4:43pm 15/09/2020
How many words can fit in this text box?
Probably not enough to share what I have and continue to see in this wonderful individual.
What began as a contact at a law firm, to a recruiter of volunteers, a collaborator, an important critic, a wonderful listener, an avid supporter, a shared visionary, to now, a dear, trusted friend.
Potters Bar 11:47am 16/09/2020
Your strength can be seen. It’s there in your words, actions and willingness to give it try. But what is not visible for all to see, is the quiet whisper at the end of the day reminding you of the small wins, those smaller steps you have taken. And those you will take again tomorrow.
That whisper is where the brilliance that is Liz, shines the brightest.
Oakmere Tea Room 4:31 16/09/2020
An entrepreneur is a word we hear often and one that attracts people to claim it for themselves given its shiny appeal. However such loud, boisterous words are just that. To work for yourself, under your own direction, intuition and motivation, is really something else.
We are sat in the wonderful Oakmere, sipping a delightful cup of coffee. I watch and listen to Eddy as he shares his latest ideas, the next project or property, all while sharing familiar pleasantries with his loyal customers as they enter the front door.
You would never know all he has worked so hard for and achieved. Eddy is far more interested in the doing, than any other thing.
Layard Street 3:19pm 17/09/2020
This determined individual is ready to fight, stand her ground, all in order to achieve her goals.
Batul will be the first in her family to gain various accolades and qualifications. However, it’s also her parents, who continually rise to new challenges, that help propel and encourage this young, ambitious woman to carry on.
Stratford Walk 5:42pm 17/09/2020
We recall the first philosophy session, the uncertainty, confusion and the terror of sharing it all, aloud, amongst her peers. For Halimah what became apparent very quickly was the importance of those experiences and her opportunity to grow from it all.
A couple of years later, a hesitant yet determined Halimah stood in front of an audience of over a hundred to deliver a talk she had written on a topic she held dear. And to this day I continue to witness her blossom further, filling me completely with pride.
Aveley 5:20pm 18/09/2020
Within the fabric of a school, friendship, real lifelong friendship can occur. It was through those very corridors, classrooms and canteens, that I found my first true, loving, unshakeable friendship.
Through every walk home, an excited bus journey to anywhere, a cheeky lunch, a quick coffee, those long dinners, longer drives, birthdays, weddings, relationships, first homes, unbearable losses, careers, through it all with you Diana, nearly thirty years have passed.
And maybe, just maybe, this time next year we will go on holiday together!
Hainault 5:16pm 19/09/2020
It’s been eight, maybe even ten years since I have seen Lily. I walk through the front door of her new flat for the first time, sit on her sofa for the first time, sip a coffee in that mug for the first time and yet, the conversation would suggest otherwise.
Lily is a bundle of fun, laughter and chatter, and so instantly we talk like the two friends we have always been. She exudes the energy I have always liked so much, regardless of being a secondary school teacher, a mother and everything else she does. Her energy has always been infectious and a smile that fills her already brightly lit living room.
Plaistow 7:06pm 21/09/2020
To do what you can, with what you have at any given stage of your life can be a bittersweet challenge. The thread of inconsistency is exactly the point at which Natalie excels. She will do, with what she has, where she is, amongst whoever stands with her.
There is a richness in her friendship. A commitment and tireless dedication in her role as a mother. And there is such humour, an infectious laughter and a cheeky mischievousness in Natalie like no other.
Abbey Road 4:05pm 24/09/2020
His true name translates as: always finds a way. There couldn’t be a more fitting definition for this talented crafter of things, as he likes to be called. Frank Horn, a trained engineer first came across horns in Nigeria many years ago and began using them to make things. He then moved on to the skin which at the time was seen both as a delicacy and a unique material.
And so began his journey. The engineer in him that still resonates, helps him to reverse engineer an idea, in order to adhere to his love of precision, lines and effortless simplicity.
Waterside Gardens 1:46pm 25/09/2020
There is something incredibly powerful and dare I say it, beautiful, in someone who strives to fill in a gap that they themselves felt as a young person. That someone is Jessica.
As we sit beside the Thames on this bright, sunny day, I am reminded of the first session she delivered to a group of my students some years ago. Her ability to communicate, voice encouragement, instil empowerment and be a shining role model, not only remains with them to this day but with me too.
Jessica’s drive to challenge and dispel inequality, unfairness, shines through her own words, “…understanding that true innovation, efficiency and strength comes when everyone is welcome and everyone is given the opportunity to succeed.”
Montgomery Square 2:34pm 27/09/2020
Do, learn, achieve, make mistakes, learn some more, then do again, achieve, different mistakes, reflect, start over,
but always, always,
stand tall.
Cafe Lemon 3:51pm 28/09/2020
If all the parts of a ship have been replaced, is it still the same ship?
A simple question, encouraging thought, dialogue, reflection, reason, intrigue, all through philosophy in the classroom. What became apparent in the sessions that Steven ran for my students, was that philosophy wasn’t removed from their experience. It was actually part of the meaning-making they engaged in every day.
Steven’s ability to foster dialogue, creative confusion and through expressions that suggested otherwise, these young students enjoyed the experience of thinking differently.
His practise takes shape in various settings, from the classrooms, to tutoring and a passion for writing. One that newly looks to facilitate thinking when faced with current affairs rather than blame culture.
Steam & Bean 4:46pm 30/09/2020
Taha’s day starts early, before sunrise with prayer, followed by exercise ensuring he remains committed to his physical fitness. A large proportion of his day is then spent at one of the best sixth forms in the country studying the A Levels he aims to excel in and therefore secure his place at an Oxbridge university.
He puts it simply for me, his absolute focus derives from the respect, love and admiration he feels towards his parents.
I look forward to being witness to all he will achieve.
Foyles Bookstore 1:28pm 02/10/2020
Meklit arrived in the UK at the age of 12. She joined a local secondary school soon after as a year 8 student. Unable to speak a word of English, she had two choices, to remain so or to learn like those in similar circumstances around her. She decided to do the latter and not only learnt a new language, but rose from the ranks and became an active member of a thriving school community.
The young adult I walk through the bookshop with tells me about her degree in Human Geography at a Russell Group university and I am reminded of just how far she has come.
North Dock footbridge 6:26pm 02/10/2020
I chose this spot specifically for Ivy. The smile on her face tells me it’s a great choice and that I know her well.
The bright colours, light, angle and of course, the stance, says much about this vibrant, self-aware and thoroughly wonderful young person.
Canary Wharf walkway 6:34pm 02/10/2020
Social Policy degree,
law conversion and then,
the real work begins!
Wanstead Park 2:35pm 05/10/2020
We come as a pair.
Mother and daughter.
Teacher and student.
Driver and passenger.
Adult and child.
Promise and such promise.
Hampstead Heath 4:42pm 07/10/2020
We talk, share, unpack, reflect on our findings and talk some more. This applies not only to when sharing our individual life experiences, but when working together on shaping a project for our students.
This connection we share and so the common ground we walk on has translated in years of creating spaces for students to develop in, access themselves and articulate the ideas that would not have come to surface otherwise.
Miriam is a philosophy teacher, facilitator, mentor and advocate to a whole-person approach to teaching and developing young people.
I adore her dearly for it.
Queen’s Theatre 1:55pm 09/10/2020
A well known, respected name in Newham and further afield, Marion spearheaded and guided a small charity into becoming a nationally reputable provider of work related opportunities for students. This brave, hard working and visionary woman was my boss and the person who facilitated my first steps into working with young people.
We sit and discuss many a story from the past, moments we shared and those we’d like to forget, and through it I still see the fun-loving, interested and rather playful woman so many care for.
Potters Bar 12:20pm 10/10/2020
To quote Yoda, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
And to quote Clara, “I will always try, when I can, even if it is a little out of the ordinary.”
Ilford 1:02pm 14/10/2020
Happy go lucky.
Always.
Regardless, in the face of and withstanding most challenges,
Jasdeep brings along a smile.
Regents Canal 5:17pm 24/10/2020
We sit opposite one another, order our individual meals from the waiter, decide on a drink and agree through a shared look that some fries would be a perfect accompaniment.
We sit and share conversation, our thoughts on the interesting surroundings, the culture and even the choice of ingredients on our pizzas. We notice the same man sat in the corner, incessantly watching the staff as they serve the many customers and agree he must be the owner.
We walk amid the hustle and bustle of Broadway Market, stopping at various stalls to share our thoughts on the designs, artwork and products, we decide on which of the many wonderful coffee shops would serve the ultimate flat white.
Coffees in hand, walking along Regents Canal, I look at my ever so handsome, thoroughly interesting and interested young companion, and cannot believe he is both my dear nephew and only twelve years old.
Hainault Skatepark 6:17pm 27/10/2020
I meet him at his front door, he is ready, waiting and keen for us to start. We drive along the open road, with the sun beginning to set I turn left, and Safwan knows the spot I am taking him to.
There is a connection, a familiarity that comes from the years we have known one another and maybe as we are often reminded, we are very similar. Jumping out the car, both keen not to get our shiny white trainers dirty, but too enthusiastic about the potential of a great photograph, we leap into the skatepark.
The relationship we share shines through each photograph, his smile, my smile, and a shared love for the outdoors.
Bow 6:20pm 03/11/2020
Nine A*s for his GCSEs,
three As in his A-levels,
studied at the University of Leeds,
sailed around the world on million pound yachts,
started to study law,
decided against a training contract,
worked for Stonewall, made a huge impact,
and was then headhunted to join a firm as an Inclusion & Diversity Advisor.
This starter and (regardless of what his teachers may have said) a finisher, loves taking on a multitude of projects.
And making it all happen.
Epping Forest 4:57pm 05/11/2020
When my words wouldn’t do you justice;
“Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” - Rumi
I know his will.
Manor Road 5:01pm 21/11/2020
When taking his photograph, I was forced to look at Saif through the viewfinder. Something I hadn’t done for many years and I saw something different, incredibly illuminating and powerful, I was witnessing a young man finding his way through life.
That happy-go-lucky kid, was now a similar happy, upbeat and incredibly likeable young person. He filled this space between photographer and subject, with a sense of fun, youth and playfulness.
Holding in emotions behind the camera, looking at my nephew, I was stirred by the love, fondness and laughter we have always shared.
Halley Road 10:43pm 21/11/2020
Welcome to our family.
Mihrimah, means light.
And you dear Mimi, have filled our family with just that already.