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2025: The power of choice

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I have given up on making resolutions. I have failed at keeping them so many times that I don’t even bother anymore. Instead, I choose a word for the year—a single guiding idea to keep me grounded. I can’t even claim credit for this clever approach; I must have stumbled upon it somewhere because it feels far too creative to be mine. This year, my word is choice . Where am I planning to apply this word? Everywhere, really. In my personal life, it is about choosing where to spend my energy—on people, activities, and myself. Am I showing up for the things that truly matter? In my professional life, it is about being intentional with my projects and commitments. Not every opportunity needs a “yes,” and that is okay.  But the first week of this shiny new year triggered a deeper, slightly uncomfortable thought. If I am going to embrace choice as my mantra, I need to give others the freedom to make their choices, too. This is where it gets tricky—because the most challenging “other...
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Solo Moments: Self-Expression in Dance and Presentation

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 There’s something undeniably liberating about dancing solo. I have been bellydancing for years, and one of the highlights (and challenges) for me has always been the chance to perform alone on stage. While many dancers might feel a wave of anxiety about going solo, I find it an opportunity to truly define the quality and structure of my choreography. It’s just me, moving to the music, free from external expectations or a predetermined script. In those moments, I am not just performing; I am sharing a story, a personal narrative woven through each gesture, each beat, and each pause. This experience isn’t exclusive to dance, though. I see the same dynamic in my students and my kids as they present their work, whether it’s an assignment, a research presentation, or even a creative project. They, too, are dancing solo, in a sense. When they stand up to present, they might panic, wondering how their work will be received, but here’s the beauty: only they know the full extent of what th...
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'Response-ability': My focus for the remainder of the year

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After a refreshing holiday in Greece, I have returned with renewed energy, ready to take on the year's final stretch. One thought that has been on my mind recently is a concept I came across in Jay Shetty's podcast: ‘Response-ability.’ He broke down the word responsibility into ‘response’ and ‘ability,’ highlighting that we can control how we respond to the world around us. This got me thinking about how I can ‘live’ this concept for the rest of the year. For me, ‘response-ability’ means embracing the idea that, while I may not have control over everything that happens around me, I do have complete control over how I choose to respond. It’s a powerful reminder that my reactions are not just automatic impulses but choices that I consciously make. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or caught up in the moment's urgency—whether it’s a sudden work crisis, an unexpected challenge at home, or even something as simple as a frustrating conversation. But with this perspective, I recognize...
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The academic journey: Insights for Early Career Researchers

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The journey of an early career scholar is exciting and challenging, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and developing a solid foundation for a future in academia. Recently, I had the honour of speaking at the FAR LEAF programme closing ceremony at Future Africa , where I shared insights and advice with a group of emerging researchers, being a mentor in the programme. In this blog post, I want to extend that message to all early career scholars, not from a place of having all the answers but as someone who continues to learn and grow every day. The lessons I share here are ones I am still navigating myself, and I hope they provide encouragement and support as you forge your own path in academia. One of the most important lessons from experiences like the FAR LEAF programme is the power of perseverance. The academic path can be long and sometimes daunting, with setbacks and unexpected challenges. But you can persist, adapt, and continuously learn, setting you apart. You...
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Location: Pretoria, South Africa
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A Break from the Scroll - no facebook and instagram

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 Embarking on a fast from Facebook and Instagram was an eye-opening experience, revealing insights about digital habits, social engagement, and personal discipline. I have done it before and each time is so different...Here are some key takeaways from my break this time: The LinkedIn Landscape One of the first observations was the stark difference in engagement on LinkedIn compared to Facebook and Instagram. While the topics discussed on LinkedIn occasionally overlap with those on other platforms, the depth and justification of opinions often vary significantly. LinkedIn's professional environment allows for a different type of dialogue focused on career achievements and industry insights. Marketing one's work is prevalent, but the platform lacks the constant temptation to purchase products that are present on Instagram and Facebook. Breaking the Habit The initial days of the fast were the most challenging. It took about 2-3 days for my hand to stop instinctively reaching for t...
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The Spark of Understanding: Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching

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Yesterday, I had a breakthrough moment with one of my students. For the past couple of months, I felt like I just couldn't reach him. Our communication seemed to be off, not in terms of language proficiency, but in terms of our interpersonal "language". Despite exchanging emails and having online interactions, our conversations felt tense and almost combative. The more we interacted, the more it seemed like we were butting heads, each exchange becoming more serious and strict. After a particularly frustrating misunderstanding last week, I insisted on meeting in person. I know I probably came across as too stern, but it felt necessary. Yesterday's meeting proved that this face-to-face interaction was exactly what we needed. We clearly needed to work on our communication channels. What struck me during our meeting was how I could see in his face the exact moment he understood something. It's a visible spark, a moment of realization that lights up a student's e...
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Letting go - or is it quitting?

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Letting go is a natural but also challenging part of life. The process can be emotionally complicated, whether it involves ending a personal relationship, stepping away from a project, or transitioning out of a leadership role. Understanding when and how to let go can lead to personal growth and new opportunities, and it is important to recognize that letting go is not synonymous with quitting. All good and well in theory, right?  Recognizing when a relationship has run its course is crucial in personal relationships and friendships. It might be growing apart, non-stop negativity, or misaligned values that signal it is time to move on. Navigating the emotions that come with this realization—sadness, relief, fear—requires patience and self-compassion. Letting go of a relationship is not easy, but reflecting on positive memories and seeking closure through honest conversations can help. Focusing on personal growth and the lessons learned opens up the opportunity for healthier relatio...
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