2014 - the year of light, love and hope

Special thanks to Neil Ingebrigtsen for taking this photo

Tonight, I was fortunate enough to find myself a part of Edinburgh's annual torchlight procession. It's the first time I attended the event and I didn't even expect to go at the start of today. But tonight's event brought home some very important thoughts with just one more day left until the start of 2014.

The event to me is symbolised by light, love and hope for the future. It heartened me when I came to that conclusion as the night progressed. There were approximately around 30,000 people who took part in the event tonight in the city centre and it was just such an innocent, family orientated and happy occasion - truly Scotland's capital city found itself on winning form once again, especially at this time of the year.

I've had a very interesting year over those last twelve months. There were many highs. For example, starting work for the first time as a self-employed registered pharmacist, driving my own car for the first time and making major progress in my life within the media and as a broadcaster. 

I also had the lucky opportunities to travel once again this year, making my second visit to Dublin and visiting Derry/Londonderry for the first time in Northern Ireland and taking part in all kinds of event (my highlight was the emotional final ever recording of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" in Elstree). My own personal growth was so joyful to experience and I know that I have a lot of potential within myself to be a massive success story in the future years ahead, God willing. 

But there were some lows as well. The year got off to a very bleak start where I struggled to get off the mark in the job market. It was so bad that I even ended up on the news (in many parts of Scotland only). I also have to admit that I came to really realise over these many months how badly my own social life had been knocked over the last few years - a difficult thing to mention in public, I know, but I don't apologise for it. 

A lot of my close friends from university moved all over the country and seeing them now is very difficult these days. However it's reassuring to have made some new friends back at home and I really think we should step things up in 2014 when it comes to organising social gatherings and events. I love people and keeping in contact with as many people as possible is very important. I also admit that I could have achieved more within my professional life this year, but then again, am I asking for too much?

So, to conclude, what do I want from 2014? To keep going in the right direction with regard to my career and become more and more of an attractive asset. Socially, there are many people I still want to meet and get talking with again. I have an incredibly social personality, despite my setbacks, and I know that. And finally, to love myself more than ever before. 

You may find that last sentence as an arrogant thing of me to say, but it really isn't. Confidence is one of the most important attributes that any individual can have and it means a lot to me to be confident. Because without confidence, nobody else will show that confidence in me to be a successful human being in this world. When I leave this world, I want my family, friends and those who know me to remember me as a man who shows nothing but love for everyone I meet, everything that I do and to show respect, even if difficulties step into my path. I want to thank all of you for being part of my year for 2013 and a special thanks to my family, friends and everyone that I know and have met in 2013.

And finally, tonight love, light and hope symbolised all the fun in Edinburgh. And it will symbolise 2014 for me. Have a very happy Hogmanay and a successful 2014.

This is the news with Anas!

A new portfolio showcasing the broadcast journalist skills of Anas Hassan has been launched.

The demo, which is now available to view above, shows Anas demonstrating his abilities on screen and on radio. Earlier this year, Anas successfully completed two work placements with STV News and Kingdom FM where his broadcasting horizons dramatically expanded and new learning experiences were gained. 

Speaking about the new demo, which has been online since last night, Anas said: "I am absolutely ecstatic about finally making my new demo available for everyone to view. Many people I hope will appreciate how much time and effort has been invested into producing it and it's certainly easier said than done when it comes to fully producing a portfolio, despite it only being just over five minutes long."

Despite being many months on since his time at STV and Kingdom FM, Anas still values both of his experiences at both the television and radio stations: "I had a fantastic time both at STV and Kingdom FM. I loved every second of both work placements. It made me a better broadcaster and has really helped me improve the quality of my programming at Victoria Radio Network, where I still present regularly."

Anas welcomes any constructive comments on his new demo. For more information about Anas Hassan, please see his biography by clicking on the relevant link above on the menu bar. The demo is also available to view through the "Showreel" link.

In loving memory of Madiba

Glasgow was the first city in the world to honour
the former President of South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Around 24 hours ago, he left this world leaving an impact on it which, in future, will be impossible to match.

Many people from all walks of life have paid tribute to the former President of South Africa. Never again will we ever see a politician or a figure of public life ever make as significant a difference to the world than him. I could go on and lavish my cynical opinion about the state of politics today but, in my opinion, that would not be respectful towards a man who's life was all about dignity, humility and making a difference through constructive solutions.

As a Scotsman, I totally recognise the strong links and affection that my home country has towards Mr Mandela. Glasgow was the first city in the world to give him the freedom of their own city (St George's Place in 1986 was renamed to Nelson Mandela Place in Scotland's biggest city). Aberdeen followed with a similar honour and Dundee also granted the former South African President with a similar honour also. Edinburgh had a room named in his honour inside the City Chambers.

Nelson Mandela shares many of the qualities of us Scots. Compassion, kindness and a sense of tranquility. I was hardly five years old when Nelson came to Glasgow in 1993, but I can tell you that it felt like he was really one of our own. I would even go further and regard him as an honorary Scotsman.

The uncompromising love shown to Madiba tonight in Glasgow, London and Soweto (and no doubt in many other parts of the planet) was heart melting. It is really sad that he has left this world for good. But let's also be honest, he really did live his life.

His legacy should teach us all that there is no time in this life to procrastinate and play yourself down, regardless of what you do. Life is so short, so never underestimate yourself and always maintain a sense of humility. Yet at the same time, fulfil your potential and always achieve success.

Nelson Mandela, thank you for being such a heart warming influence on this world. May God bless you.