Lotz of thoughts

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. Your jo

 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

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

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 relationshi

 As a supervisor, graduation ceremonies have always been a bittersweet affair. They mark the peak of years of hard work, dedication, and determination for my students, and witnessing their journey from nervous first-year students to confident doctorates fills me with a sense of pride that words cannot fully express. Each year, as I watch the procession of graduates making their way across the stage, I am reminded of the countless challenges they have had to overcome to reach this moment. I've seen everything from late nights in the library to last-minute cramming sessions. But what truly amazes me is their resilience in the face of hardship. Whether juggling multiple jobs to pay for tuition or overcoming personal hardships, my students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education that inspires me daily. But it's not just the students who make graduation ceremonies special; it's also their families. The pride and joy radiating from the audience as their love

I hear the familiar jiggle sound, and a new email appears in my inbox. It is a new opportunity that excites and intrigues me. Although slightly outside my main expertise, it indicates a possibility of achieving it. Yet, as I look at my calendar, I can't help but despair over the timing – although, in the frenzy of our modern lives, when is it ever a good time? A few years ago, the first “Sorry, I am in full capacity for this year; I can't take any new projects” email was only sent in November. Last year, it was sent in September. This year, who knows? As I weigh the decision in front of me, I remind myself of the many times I have taken extra between an already busy workload. Positives and negatives in those decisions: lessons, growth, stress and time pressure, among others.   However, now I know what question to ask:   “Does this align, resonate and assist my purpose?” Although sounding too theoretical, this question has practical implications, particularly for cases where w