Local winner of TikTok award urges others to follow their passions
Gab Astorga has been making videos on science, for his hundreds of thousands of followers, while studying at the University of East Anglia
A local graduate who recently won a TikTok award is urging other content-creators to follow their passions and be creative.
Norwich's Gab Astorga bagged first place in the Books and Learning category, after creating videos focussing on nature for his more than 400 thousand followers.
He did all this between studying for his undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of East Anglia.
"I think that's what people are craving, they want to see themselves in screen"
He told us what it was like making content during this time:
"It was really difficult, but also really fun. That's one of the main reasons I did it to start with and carried on doing it. It was a reprieve from my studies as well.
"I also make content is because I represent people of colour and LGBTQ+ people. I display my enthusiasm and joy for science and reading, while authentically displaying myself. I think that's what people are craving, they want to see themselves in screen".
Whilst studying for his PhD at the Quadram Institute on Norwich Research Park, Gab also worked as a student creator for the UEA Social Media team.
Some of Gab’s TikTok videos for UEA include:
-Gab’s Clearing Experience - Gab talks about calling UEA on Results Day and how it changed his entire direction.
-Gab at Norwich Pride - Gab takes us behind the scenes of his vibrant day — from the parade to powerful moments of community and celebration.
-Gab’s PhD Journey - From missing out on Medicine to discovering his love for Biomedicine.
-Gab’s Exam Advice- Three tips from Gab on how to make the time spent studying less overwhelming.