There is a buddy in cinema that gives a pass to other worlds which do not really exist. They exist to bring to life things which do not exist. The feelings are the same but not the same; Same but extended, intensified. Everyday is laid bare on screen; most times taunted, other times flaunted. The flaunting of the everyday, coming to bear with life as we know it, or maybe not. I know a buddy who situates the self, and draws it nearer to the world. The world that it lives in. By Emmanuel Johnson
Reach you to reach me
Where are you? I wish to get to you. My friend from the days. The days our paths were straight. Friend but not friends, you but not you; me but not me. Sometimes I wonder, I ought to care more? Other times I ponder, I have my life to live, and so do you. But the truth remains the truth, and a lie remains a lie, and no matter what we do, the day will speak for you and I. By Emmanuel Johnson
Moment of truth
The beginning comes. It goes on and on. Excitement comes, goes. Here, not here. Fleet the thrills; empty days. Empty days, catching up. Catching up to me but not caught me. One thing, maintaining: the light that came, and stayed. The light; the truth, the life: the light who comes, on and on. On and on, the beginning comes, but the beginning will never be the end. By Emmanuel Johnson
Haven of newness
In the haven of newness I see, my source of hope. This newness; it’s His; now mine. My newness. I am safe in this newness. His newness; my newness. Nothing matters in this newness. Everything is alright in this newness. I am sheltered; I am reborn. I am overwhelmed. I feel, but differently. I live, I die, in this newness. By Emmanuel Johnson
Refiner’s fire
Here I am on my walk through the everyday. Searching for you, but find you instead. Hovering over, pricking deeper. I light my feet, I am embraced by truth. Now I see, the blueprint for the days. The days, your days; now my days. That thorn, in my flesh now oil, for my head. Now I see, on my walk through the everyday, I am not alone, I never was. By Emmanuel Johnson
Fragments of time
That time, we sailed across the breeze. That time, those times; I truly, was alive. I remember, all the time; the days went well. Despite, most times, the nature of those times. Those times, I rewind; I truly, was alive. In time, that time in You, I found: a piece, to fill the wells, which burn in me. A piece; that peace to keep me through all times. All times, all times, I remember, all the time: that time; that time indeed, was the right time. And now, this time, I sit and revel under: this time, all times I truly, am alive. By Emmanuel Johnson
Comforter
Some day, I shall learn of words that describe you: a painting of things within. Things within. Things within me; which cannot be expressed. Until that day; one day; some day: I feel your warm embrace, as you, sit beside me; loudly, whispering; silent, words, which cannot be expressed.
By Emmanuel Johnson
Euphoric
Venturing, through the corridors of thrill and bliss; in this: a joy to light my face, and yours, for tomorrow, we dismiss. Too far to go through the village; but close; to the swan on lane. Past flashing dreams across the stage, and hope to the last of pain. Indeed, those days were true, a joy to light my face, and yours, I still, think about you; venturing, through the corridors.
By Emmanuel Johnson
Interview on Lad Culture
A video from 2016 featuring opinions of students on Lad Culture. A way of life still prevalent today. Please see video below:
The Role of Faith in my PhD Research
Faith is central to me. This stems from a background deeply rooted in the belief of there being more to life than what my natural eyes see. Living, experiencing and exploring the world have constructed the manner in which I approach situations, experiences and ideas.
It is an essential element of my life because it carries within it, a demonstration of how I ought to go about living – dashing across professional and societal aspects, to the most ordinary of practises and rituals within the everyday life of Emmanuel. It characterises my lifestyle, orders my steps and motivates me to improve upon myself.
As I am an individual of faith, looking into how faith helps international students navigate their studies, I realise this would undoubtedly shape the way I approach my PhD research. My perspective is centred on my background as a Christian Nigerian man looking into ways of life different to mine. In addition to that, I am one who has experienced substantial cultural refinement, having studied in diverse UK campuses since 2012, learning and unlearning some presuppositions. Thus, my standpoint diverges against its own self. My interaction with others, and thus considerations about research design, including data collection methods must be undertaken with empathy, tolerance and understanding – bearing in mind at all times that cultures present people with different ways of perceiving the world – ways unique to them, and them alone.
The focus, therefore, is on my ability to use my background in exploring others efficiently; researching and critiquing, in order to draw up findings impactful and true to myself and others.
I am interested in exploring how faith contributes to the academic experience of international students. In this, my faith shall act as an avenue for me to explore identity and difference, zooming in on the reality of being an international student of faith in British Higher Education.
As a result of my faith, I am mindful of difference in viewpoints between my participants and me. I am more than willing to maintain researcher integrity; by being non-judgemental about other perspectives and acknowledging feelings and opinions contrary to mine.
As I undertake this research, the question for me becomes: how can my faith guide, inspire and contribute to my research output?
Emmanuel Johnson 