Mick McLaughlin

Business Development Esports & Createch

“I threw away two signed napkins from Yoko Ono!”

“Although what I do now is quite commercial, I’ve always had a creative mind. I’m an avid writer and have written scripts for plays, none have made it to the stage, yet! I’ve also written a novel called Dead Happy, it’s all about putting the fun into funerals, with a love story thrown in as well. I’d love to see it made into a film one day, it’s a musical and all the songs are written - don’t ask me to sing them though!

Without sounding too morbid I think death should be seen as a celebration of life. I acted as a celebrant at the funeral for one of my friend’s aunts. It wasn’t something that I’d thought about and did wonder what I’d let myself in for, but it was just like telling a story of the person’s life

Now, those napkins. In a previous role I had the pleasure of having afternoon tea with Yoko Ono. She was in Coventry visiting the cathedral to dedicate two Japanese oak trees in celebration of her life and work with John Lennon. She kindly signed the napkins to my kids, it was the only thing I had on me.

I left them in my car and around a week later we went through a drive thru, ordered the food and eat it in the car park as you do. Well, you guessed it, the napkins were swept up in the rubbish. I didn’t realise until weeks later when I went to get them for the kids, absolutely gutted!”

Who's next?

Come back soon to find out who the next Human of Warwick is.

Sam Pordale

Co-President of Warwick Student Action for Refugees

“There were moments on the journey when I thought, if I die here, nobody will know what happened to me.”

“In an instant my life went from one of privilege in Afghanistan to becoming a refugee in real danger. It was August 2021, Taliban militants had taken control of Kabul. Until that morning my father held a high-ranking position in the democratic government.

Getting to the airport and onto an evacuation flight was not going to be possible. There was no way we would get past the Taliban checkpoints. I lost my father in the crowd. At that point I didn’t know I’d never see him again. But I did know that I was on my own and it was up to me to find a way of getting out.

My journey to the UK took eight months, taking me through Iran, Turkey, Italy and France by minibus, boat and foot. I’d crossed into Turkey illegally, so I didn’t have the paperwork needed to work or stay. I spoke fluent English and decided that the UK was my only chance to be accepted and do something useful. It took nine attempts to get here by small boat.

At my asylum accommodation I met the Red Cross and started to volunteer at one of their drop-in centres as an English teacher. I was put forward for an academic research programme, looking at the barriers that refugees faced accessing higher education. I was surprised to learn that I could apply to study at UK universities. I applied for five undergraduate courses across the country.

I was awarded a full scholarship to study politics and international studies at Warwick. I started in September 2023 with no money, clothes or suitcase. But now the campus feels like home. Everyone is my family, from the lecturers to the cleaners, I know everyone.

In my first week I joined the university’s Student Action for Refugees group, I’m now the co-president. I often think back to my life a few years ago and can’t believe what I’ve been through. The idea I could become a refugee overnight would have seemed crazy. But laws, governments, your rights, they can all disappear in a second and all you’re left with is yourself. I want to make the best of every chance to live a good life.”

Alex Jackson

Trainee Software Engineer IDG

“I’ve not had the best experience, and I don’t want anyone else to go through the same as me.”

“I was late diagnosed as autistic but always felt like I was wired differently to everyone else. I didn't know anything about neurodiversity back then, I honestly thought I was going crazy.

When I received my diagnosis, I felt validated. Imagine going through life and as far as you can tell, all your senses work, but everyone keeps telling you that what you experience isn't real. You're just making it up.

To be autistic means your brain develops differently to the normal standard, which is known as neurotypical or NT for short. It's something you're born with. This can become obvious when it comes to social communication and interaction and can be characterised by developmental delays. For an example, I was mute until I was four, but when I did talk, it was in full grammatically correct sentences.

Warwick has immense potential to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for its neurodiverse staff members. Those of us who are autistic, or who have ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia, for example. We're often expected to adapt to environments that do not benefit or support us. For a neurotypical staff member, a meeting cancelled at the last minute or a loud, brightly-lit office space would not necessarily impact them. But for neurodiverse colleagues, these things can be deeply draining - and we are constantly having to react and respond to them in a workplace that is traditionally set up for neurotypical staff

We’re expected to conform to societal norms that are not natural to us. When I attended the Staff Neurodiversity Peer Support Group earlier this year, I quickly realised that when we ask for help, there is no standard response.

I’m setting up a group of Neurodiversity Champions from across the University. The aim of this group is to raise awareness and all I really want to do is to help somebody. Whether it's a manager understanding things or somebody realising that they've been struggling with things all their life. Not knowing what label to give that or know what to research to find that out. If it can help just one person, then I've done what I set out to do.”

Warren Daniel

Maintenance Assistant

“I would never have had the confidence to do this when I started.”

“I started in the maintenance team as a volunteer around four years ago. I came straight from college to get some experience and I’d been told it was a good place to work. After a year a vacancy came up, I was encouraged to apply and was lucky to get the job.

I have autism and when I started here, I wasn’t able to work on my own. I also found it very difficult to talk to people. Now, I’m able to do both of those things. My team call me a superstar but they’re the ones that have really helped me. Showing patience and helping me learn new skills. Once I’ve been shown how to do something a couple of times, I’m confident to have a go on my own. It’s not been without some problems though, I remember working on a shower in one of the rooms. The water hadn’t been turned off and I ended up being the barrier between the water and it damaging the rest of the room.

I never thought I’d be doing anything like this either, having my photograph taken and telling my story. I’m proud to be recognised as a Human of Warwick. All I want to do is a good job and I really enjoy getting the rooms ready for the students. It’s such a big step for some of them, especially those travelling from other countries. I want them to be able to come somewhere they feel comfortable and not homesick. I also enjoy talking with them now, helping them settle in and finding out about them.

Outside of the University I like to spend time with my family and I’m a huge Coventry City fan. My dad is a fan, so he brought me up to support them. I follow them home and away and rarely miss a game.”

Emily Tricker

Deputy Head of Wellbeing Support

“I’m more of a tortoise than a hare, but it’s all for a good cause.”

“I’m taking on a 10k run in April to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) charity, which is a suicide prevention charity. Sadly, I lost a close friend five years ago and I wanted to do something in his memory and raise some awareness. It’s a sad statistic but we lose 18 people to suicide every day in the UK.

My training is going well and while I’m no athlete, I’m committed to crossing that finishing line. You get the same medal as everyone else, no matter where you finish! Working in the Wellbeing Team you’d expect me to say that health and exercise is important and I’m practicing what I preach. Everyone has busy lives and commitments but try and do what you can, when you can. Even if that means a walk with a pub at the end, that’s not a problem. Socialising is also great for your mental health!

I’m very proud to be part of the Wellbeing Team. The team works extremely hard to support students with a huge variety of issues. Talking is important and often the difficult first step to take, but we’re always here for whoever needs us.

So, once I’ve done the run in April, I’ll be ready for my next challenge whatever that may be. Maybe a half marathon!”

Claire Algar

Social Inclusion Manager

“The second I stepped onto campus, I just thought that I didn’t belong here.”

“I grew up in the local area, but the University wasn’t the kind of place that we ventured. But, I needed a job and made an application via Unitemps for an entry level role in the Chemistry department. I received a letter offering me an interview. That’s when I started questioning things, like why was I going to be interviewed by a Doctor of Chemistry.

I didn’t understand the structure of the University, didn’t speak or use the same language as everyone else and hadn’t had the same education. I thought very quickly that I don’t fit, I was very low on confidence when I started here. Over the years I’ve come to realise that Warwick has been amazing for me. With the support of my colleagues, who saw potential in me that I didn’t even know I had myself. I’ve been able to have a career and life that I didn’t know existed or I could even have.

Everyone should belong here and that’s why the work I do in the social inclusion team is so important to me. My focus is on social mobility, giving people opportunities that they wouldn’t normally have. Like my work on the prison leavers initiative or my work with the EY Foundation, who support young people from a low-income background to thrive in the workplace. We bring 20 young people onto campus for 10 days, twice a year, for some work experience and to learn employment and interview skills. I also designed and implemented the Social Inclusion intern programme, so I like to think that I’m making a difference to people’s lives.

Very occasionally, I still do have some nagging self-doubts about whether I really do belong here. Imposter syndrome creeps in regularly, but after 15 years, I absolutely do belong here. And so should anyone who wants a rewarding, fulfilling career.”

Paul Thompson

Gardener - (Wellesbourne)

“There’s a lot of wildlife on campus, you just need to know where to look.”

“My passion for wildlife photography started a long time ago. I used to go to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve to birdwatch with a friend, I found it quite a funny thing to do at first. Unfortunately, he’s now passed away, but I wanted to carry on in his memory.

I bring my camera into work with me, taking any opportunity to capture wildlife in my breaks. I’ve seen foxes, deer, rabbits, hares, kingfishers, herons and of course the ducks and geese, lots of geese! There’s a family of foxes near the Gibbet Hill campus, I first spotted them around 14 years ago. They regularly come out of the woodland to say hello, so I like to photograph them as often as possible.

I’ve also been whale watching with Chris Packham round the Bay of Biscay. I managed to get some great pictures, and he encouraged me to share them, he thought they were that good. I’ve had my pictures used on Countryfile, some of which were taken on campus.

Photography takes over my weekends and spare time as well. You’ll always find me with my camera out in the countryside or taking in the scenery sitting on my friend’s memorial bench at the nature reserve.

I’ve been working as a gardener in the Estates team for 36 years, an office job wasn’t for me. I enjoy being out in the open air, it’s great for your wellbeing and mental health. I like watching the landscape change at different times of the day and throughout the year. We’re lucky to have such clear seasons, all four are different and I enjoy aspects of each one, but winter is the best. Everything quietens down.”

Jayne Bridges

Arts Centre Visitor Experience Assistant

“Every day is an adventure, it certainly is for me. I’ve not had a boring life and I’m still making the most of it.”

“I had a varied career before becoming quite successful in the wine trade. I became a good taster and took the relevant exams. That enabled me to work extensively in the UK and various parts of the world. When that ended, I was not up for retirement! I had no firm plans, but I loved art. So, I came to Warwick and took a History of Art degree.

Having been to the Arts Centre to watch numerous events, I was aware of all the activities that you can do there. That’s when I started volunteering, 15 years ago. I was then fortunate to be offered a contract and now do 20 hours a week. It’s very varied work and I love working here, being part of a strong team. I’m surrounded by young people so I can impress my grandchildren with my knowledge of Tik Tok!

I particularly enjoy the Symphony concerts and Graduation week, when both parents and Graduates are all in fine spirits. But my real fondness is for The Mead Gallery. Many people who work at Warwick don’t visit, they really should as it’s fantastic, and the best thing is, it’s free.

I also love travelling, I’ve been to more countries than I am old. I spent six weeks backpacking in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, and I’ve kayaked on the Amazon and in the Galapagos Islands. I’m not yet ready for SAGA trips, I’m up for new adventures.”

Matt Drew

Director of Food & Beverage, Warwick Food Group

“I was serving scones at the age of 16 in a tea shop in the New Forest. Yes, it’s jam first!”

“Scones seem to have followed me around. I worked for the National Trust for ten years, so famous for their scones there’s even a book about them. And you might find a scone on the menu at one of the outlets across the campus. They always sell!

As you’d expect, doing my job I have a passion for food, and this extends to both at home and work. I wanted to do a job with purpose and with Eatwise I’ve been able to do that. I wanted to lead and press for dishes using fresh, seasonal and healthy ingredients that help our community to thrive.

The creativity that comes out of the test kitchen is amazing. I can’t believe that it’s been a year since we launched, but I think we’re making good progress with our mission to provide mindful food for thriving minds.

While I don’t get to cook at work, which is probably for the best, at home I like to entertain! Having people I love gather around the table, enjoying something I’ve created for dinner brings me a lot of joy. I particularly like preparing Spanish food, there’s something about tapas that brings people together. But any food that’s informal, fresh and bold in flavour is fun to prepare.”

Dr Freeha Azmat

Associate Professor, WMG

“My interests were always in maths and engineering. Growing up in Pakistan, it was the men who became the engineers, and the women doctors or teachers.”

“After some, let’s just say challenging, conversations with my family I took the step to study for a degree in Information and Communications Systems Engineering at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan. An unusual step for a woman but I’ve always been about turning challenges into opportunities.

After graduation I won a fully funded scholarship to take my master’s in advanced Distributed Systems. Here was the next problem, it was at the University of Leicester, and I had to convince my parents that it was the right thing for a single woman from Pakistan to travel to the UK alone. I think I made the right decision.

I’ve been very lucky and over the years have received a lot of recognition and awards. I strongly believe in giving back and mentoring future generations. I’d like to show the young girls there that there is a world of possibilities for them in the engineering and technology sector. And now I have a family of my own, its’s no surprise that my son is also a young engineer in the making.”

James Bonsall

Technical Director, MSL

“I remember when Oasis played the Students’ Union. It was one of their early gigs, they played football in the dressing room.”

“I spent around eight years working in the entertainment team at the SU. Managing the sound and lighting for the bands that came through. We’ve had them all, either on their way up, or their way back down again!

It was seven nights a week back in those days, great times, and it never felt like work, more like being in the pub every day! But I knew it wasn’t something I could do for ever. Once the gigs were out of my system I moved into the IT team, a team of two back then.

Computers were starting to come in while I was at school, all very new and interesting and I spent a few years getting into them. Although when I left school, I followed other interests, it was inevitable that I’d end up working with computers. And now our MSL software is in place at over 130 students’ unions and universities worldwide.

Having studied at Warwick as well, I’ve been here for 31 years, there’s no better place to be doing it.”

Professor Olanrewaju Sorinola

Academic Lead Phase II, Warwick Medical School

“From a young age I always wanted to present myself well. Who says men can’t have different types of shoes. They don’t have to be boring black or brown.”

“Back home in Nigeria I was a child prodigy. Thanks to my aunt, who was also the headteacher, I started school early at the age of three. Moving to secondary school aged nine and started university aged 14. I graduated at the age of 20. I’m still the youngest graduate of medicine in Nigeria - they used to call me baby doctor! I keep checking and hoping that a 19-year-old doesn’t come along and trump me.

The turning point in my life happened in secondary school. One of my friends started convulsing, looking back now I know it was an epileptic seizure. The teachers told everyone to not touch him, and I just felt that was wrong. That’s when I decided that medicine and helping people was my path. Although all of my prizes at school were in physics, not biology, but I knew what I wanted to do.

As a clinical academic I also work at Warwick Hospital as a consultant gynaecologist. I’ve been very lucky and it’s my passion to be able to help people, and yes, I’ve got over 100 pairs of shoes.”

Steve Russell

Operations Director, Warwick SU

“Most people in my position wouldn’t work the doors anymore, I just choose to.”

“I started as a part time barman in the Students Union when I was 18, I’m not going to tell you how long ago that was. When I started, I said that I’d stay for as long as I was enjoying myself and that I didn’t feel older than the students. I’ve had to let the second bit go but I’ve never left, so that must tell you something. And both of my kids have worked for the SU as well.

I’ve always enjoyed the interaction with the students, it’s still one of the favourite parts of the job. We get quite a lot of banter on the door, mainly from the sports teams. I just like to see everyone have a good time and more importantly, keep them safe.

I’ve also looked after the entertainment, we’ve had loads of bands and DJs through the doors and some strange requests to deal with. I remember The Pogues wanting a bath of ice, the ice was easy to get but finding a bath to put in their dressing room, more of a challenge, but we made sure it happened!”

Susie Longstaff

Masters in the History of Medicine

“I was determined to carry on with my studies but felt like that dream had come to an end. Luckily, I was given a second chance.”

“Being neurodiverse and having moderate hearing loss, as a disabled pupil I never felt supported in the education system. Before I could complete my studies I was withdrawn from my college course, basically kicked out in the second year. This left me with no A levels and a complete mistrust in the education system.

After a relationship breakdown I also found myself homeless for the third time and spent a year in and out of various Travelodges across Birmingham. But I’ve recently graduated from Birmingham Newman University and I’m now studying my Masters in the History of Medicine at Warwick.

Being at Warwick is helping me reach my full potential, and have you tried the vegan cakes on the Curiositea menu? They’re amazing! When I’m not on campus I work in the Visitor Experience team for the Birmingham Museums Trust. I also love taking wildlife photography and singing soprano in my local choir.”