What Makes Ruby Alive?

On Exeter's streets, connecting with passersby often highlights the importance of stepping back from digital noise and focusing on genuine human connection. In this feature, we speak with Ruby about what brings a true sense of vitality to her day.

For Ruby, feeling alive is grounded in meaningful time with friends and stepping away from constant screen time:

"Probably just being with friends, mainly... being places where I'm not constantly on my phone. Like it's nice to just get away. It's just mainly living in the moment. I feel like everyone's so glued to their phones. I am as well, but the world is just so busy, it's nice to just get away from everything."

Reflecting on personal hurdles, Ruby shares how navigating difficult relationships and leaning on a support system helped shape her resilience:

"I've had a few bad relationships with people & they haven't ended great... & I feel like trying to move on, overcome, kind of makes you the person that you are today... Friends & family really help, getting out. I think it's so easy to just stay at home & sit in bed all day. Getting the courage to actually go outside really helps."

Closing our conversation, Ruby shares an encouraging message about letting go of self-consciousness:

"Don't think about it too much. People always feel like everyone else cares about what they do & what they say more than they actually do."