A Proud Farewell

Hi,

It’s another day, another goodbye to one of my PhD students!

This year has felt like a continuous farewell tour. At my peak, I was supervising 13 PhD students at once, which, looking back, wasn’t just a research group; it was practically a whole soccer team with substitutes! Managing my own time while making sure everyone had the right direction was a wild balancing act. So, I’ve decided to put a temporary cap on new intakes and focus purely on giving my current students my full attention.

Most of my students came with sponsorships from their home countries, meaning their drive to finish on time was sky-high. My role was to steer the ship and offer a safe harbor when things got rough; they did the heavy lifting themselves. Watching them transform from nervous fresh arrivals stepping off the plane in Malaysia into confident researchers waving goodbye on their last day? There’s no feeling quite like it. I feel like a proud big sister every single time.

Today, I want to give a special shoutout to Li, my only PhD student from China. Back home, he’s a college math teacher. For his research, he decided to take on exact analytical solutions for partial differential equations.

In plain English? He chose to tackle the kind of monster math problems that make most researchers run in the opposite direction because most of the time, you hit a complete dead end.

“Where others saw a brick wall, Li saw a puzzle waiting to be solved.”

Did he hit roadblocks, failures, and moments of utter confusion? Absolutely! That’s just scientific research for you! But he stuck with it, proposed his own brilliant method to solve some of the toughest equations, and unlocked answers that future researchers will be using for years to come.

To make his story even sweeter: Li wasn't fighting the PhD battle alone. His lovely wife, Zhou, was also completing her PhD at our school under a different supervisor!

Seeing the two of them walking hand-in-hand around campus, working on completely different areas of mathematics, yet cheering each other on through every single deadline was just the cutest thing.

And as if finishing two PhDs together wasn't enough of a plot twist... they are expecting their first baby! 👶

Happy to be in between two PhDs and a Calculus baby in the womb. 

Talk about perfect timing! After three long years of hard work, their baby boy is arriving right as they are about to cross the academic finish line. I can already tell you this little guy is going to be a genius. You know why? He’s been listening to advanced calculus and mathematical proofs straight from the womb!

And the cherry on top? He’s expected to arrive right around my birthday! Hello, little Scorpio buddy! 🦂

Mentoring students from all corners of the world has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. My new official bucket list item? Traveling the world to visit all my former students in their home countries and seeing them thrive in their element.

Until the next graduation, see you around! Bye!💫

Wordless Wednesday : It’s Never Too Late

Notes from Wollongong

Hi,

Lately, Australia has been calling my name again. There’s just this gentle pull making me check for flights and dream about heading back, even if it’s just for a quick visit! ✈️

Looking back at my time there, I can’t help but chuckle at how much of a culture shock the language was at first. Australian English is an entirely different species! During my first few meetings with my supervisor, I actually had to ask for permission to record our conversations. I was sitting there nodding along, but my brain was desperately trying to process the heavy accent and high-speed technical terms. 

Outside the university, things weren't any easier! Wollongong is a lovely, quiet town with a lot of friendly retirees who speak in the thickest, most glorious Aussie accents imaginable. At first, listening to them felt like trying to decode a secret language. But once my ears adjusted, it became so much fun to learn the local lingo.

If you ever head Down Under, here are 5 iconic Aussie slang words that will instantly tell you you’re talking to a local (plus how to use them):

1. Arvo (Afternoon)

A: "Are we still meeting up later today?" 

B: "Yeah! Let's catch up this arvo around 3 PM."

2. Brekkie (Breakfast)

A: "I'm starving. What do you want to do for brekkie?" 

B: "Let's grab some pancakes and coffee down the street!"

3. Sunnies (Sunglasses)

A: "It is so bright outside today!" 

B: "Hold on, let me grab my sunnies from the car before we leave."

4. Servo (Service Station / Petrol Station)

A: "We're almost out of fuel!" 

B: "No worries, there’s a servo just around the next corner."

5. Macca's (McDonald's)

A: "Need a late-night snack run?" 

B: "Yeah, let's do Macca's run and grab some fries!"

Bonus Phrase: "No worries!" 

Warning: This phrase will completely hijack your everyday vocabulary.

"Thank you!" >> No worries.

"Sorry!" >>No worries. 

Minor existential crisis? >> Still, no worries! 😆

My secret to learning these slangs wasn't just textbooks or cafes, it was Susan.

One day, I'll go back to Wollongong and pay her a visit.

For almost two years, I worked for Susan, a lovely lady originally from Tasmania who decided to spend her retirement days in Wollongong. Every week, I’d pop over to her house for about three hours to help with basic cleaning. But truth be told, Susan didn’t really need a helper, she just wanted a companion.

As I moved around cleaning, Susan would follow me from room to room, happily chatting away about her week. I listened very carefully to every story, and that’s where I naturally picked up so much of the local Aussie slang. She lived alone, and spending those weekly sessions with such a kind, gentle lady was an absolute joy. I went there to clean, but I left with a warm heart and a whole new vocabulary.

The funny thing is, no matter how hard we try to use the slang, the locals always know the second we open our mouths that we aren't from around there. But that was the best part! Everyone was always so warm, polite, and genuinely kind. Even as someone who obviously looked different and sounded like a visitor, I only ever experienced warmth and hospitality.

That genuine kindness and memories with wonderful people like Susan is what made Wollongong feel like a home away from home. And it’s the exact reason why I keep wanting to go back today. 💕

My New 24/7 Companion

Hi,

Welcome back to the weekend series!

It’s just another calm, quiet weekend at home today, or at least, it looks calm on the outside! My boy wasn't feeling so well last night, which meant he couldn't sleep peacefully at all. He woke up almost every single hour, demanding cuddles each time. It’s been his classic pattern since he was a little baby. Whenever his body feels a bit uneasy or sick, he becomes a full-time velcro child.

So, guess who was the official overnight mattress and cuddle-dispenser? Yours truly! 😌

By morning, he was back to his usual energetic self, which brought such a huge wave of relief. Even though I’m running on minimal sleep (and now it’s my turn to feel a little dizzy from exhaustion!), seeing him okay makes it all worth it. We went to a dentist appointment earlier today, so far he's still in the high spirits.

On a brighter note, remember my poor watch that went sick and stopped working a few days ago? Well, I’ve officially got a replacement on my wrist! 😍

And guess what? It’s in my all-time favourite colour: apple green! 🍏Just imagine this super fresh, vibrant pop of bright green sitting on my wrist, it instantly perks up my mood just looking at it. I absolutely love it! 

If you know me, you know I wear my watch almost 24/7. The only time it leaves my wrist is when I take a shower. The second I dry off, it goes right back on until the next shower! Because of that, it tracks pretty much every single detail of my life, my sleep hours (or lack thereof, thanks to last night!), my workout records, my daily steps, my heart rate, and even my stress levels.

At this point, it’s basically the most loyal, trusted gadget attached to my body. And the fact that it was a gift makes it even more special, I’ll be wearing it with so much pride. Imagine how much love is in every bit of it. Now, I’m truly enjoying every single detail of my new companion. It’s so much more than just a watch, it’s practically my essential! 

Quick update! Took him out for an outdoor run, and my new watch performed amazingly well recording the whole session. I'm finding more and more reasons to love this new companion

Till then, wishing you all a cozy, restful weekend! 💕

Wordless Wednesday : Gone, but forever loved

 

The August Kickoff

Hi,

It’s only the second day of the month, but August has already decided to show off two completely opposite personalities. If these first 48 hours are any preview of what’s to come, I’m holding onto my seat! 😄

Day 1: Saturday Controlled Chaos

Yesterday, I was out from morning until late afternoon playing driver, referee, and chief event planner. My kids had been bugging me endlessly for a playdate with their friends. Luckily, my dynamic duo happens to be besties with another sibling pair, which made planning between us moms a breeze.

The girls are sweet, but this pre-teen era is nerve-wracking! 😑

By the end of the day, their names were known to all. 😂

Managing my own two is already a full-time cardio workout. Now double that? Pure, unfiltered chaos. But honestly, it was the best kind of chaos! They had a absolute blast, and even with the high-energy madness, I’d totally do it again. (After a brief recovery period, of course.)

Day 2: Channeling My Inner Domestic Goddess 

After a full day out, today was dedicated entirely to the house. specifically tackling The Closet of Forgotten Clothes. You know, those piles that sit untouched for so long they practically start demanding their own rent? 

I finally rolled up my sleeves and sorted through everything for donation. My kids have outgrown so many of their things! Naturally, I kept a few special pieces for nostalgia's sake, but the rest went straight into the donation pile. I also confronted my own closet and parted with so many items I haven't worn in years.

I made sure everything was washed, smelling fresh, neatly folded, and properly labelled. They’re all still in fantastic condition, and my heart feels full knowing someone else will get good use out of them.

All packed and ready for their next chapter

So, that’s my August wrap-up... two days in! Something tells me this month might bring a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but hey, we’re ready for the turbulence.

See you all again soon! 💕

Wordless Wednesday : My Day to Night

Time Capsule : Auni & Adam’s Chapter

Hi,

It’s a full Saturday over here. Normally, after five days of hectic schedules and trying to keep up with school routines, weekends mean one glorious thing, sleeping in. But not today! The kids had morning school activities, so duty called, and this mom traded extra sleep for chauffeur duty. Happily, of course! 😇

Every now and then, I like reading back through my old posts. They always bring a silly grin to my face and remind me of the little, joyful moments that are so easy to forget in the daily rush. So, consider this a quick time capsule post dedicated to my two favorite people: Auni and Adam.

A little sushi lunch date.

Fine line between besties and enemies.

This year, Auni is 10 and Adam is 7. While I naturally hope they do well in their studies, I’m even more passionate about making sure they actually get to enjoy being kids. Right now, that joy comes in the form of pure, unlimited energy on the track and the martial arts mat.

Auni has been absolutely loving running and taekwondo. She works so hard, gives every event her all, and bless her competitive spirit, she has managed to bring home quite a few gold medals to add to her growing collection. As long as her schoolwork stays on track, I’ll happily remain her biggest cheerleader from the sidelines.

The 200m & 4x100m are her main events

Another two events, and two gold medals! She crushed both pattern and free sparring.

Then there’s Adam. Having a big sister to look up to means his determination is through the roof! He wants to achieve just as much as Auni does, so he’s jumped right into running and taekwondo too. Watching him push himself and win a few championships of his own has been such a treat.

Making his track debut in the 100m.

Champion in both pattern and free sparring. He truly stole the show and shone so brightly.

At the end of the day, I know academics will take center stage as they grow up. But letting them shine in things they genuinely love right now feels just as important. It builds their confidence, sure, but more than that, I hope it teaches them a simple life lesson, when you put heart and real effort into what you do, good things usually follow.

And that’s a little snapshot of the two gems keeping my life wonderfully chaotic right now. I know one day, when the house is quiet and they're all grown up, I'll read this back with a super full heart, so grateful for these crazy, beautiful days. 💕

Some things never change

Hi, I’m back.

It’s pretty rare for me to write here on a school night, but today was just one of those heavy days. You know when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and from that moment on, the whole day just feels completely off? That was definitely me today. To cope, I put my favorite MLTR playlist on repeat and just let the music carry me through.

All I wanted was to be alone, stay quiet, and not talk to a single soul. But of course, life had other plans! My schedule happened to be completely packed from morning to evening. So, even though I was exhausted, I had no choice but to force a smile, step up, and interact with people all day long. By the time I finally finished work, my social battery was at absolute zero.

I desperately needed a moment to reset and fix my mood. And my remedy wasn't anything complicated. It was just a simple piece of chocolate Cornetto ice cream.

From my teenage years until now

This little treat has been my ultimate comfort food since I was 15 years old. Back in high school, I used to carefully save my pocket money all week just so I could buy one RM1.90 Cornetto every Friday after class. It was the best feeling in the world back then.

Fast forward to today, and even though life is much busier now, some things never change. I don’t need fancy, expensive ice cream to feel better. Just a classic chocolate Cornetto, and suddenly the day doesn't feel so bad anymore.

Here’s to surviving the hard days, accepting when our battery is empty, and letting the simplest things bring us back to life. 💕

A Beautiful Tradition

Hi, 

I’m back! While the writing inspiration is hitting me, I figured I’d better strike while the iron is hot and commemorate one of those genuinely beautiful days that makes the chaotic academic life totally worth it.

This week, I had the absolute joy of treating my students. You remember my final-year project girls who are about to officially escape, err.. sorry, graduate from campus life? To celebrate the completion of their undergraduate studies and all their hard work, I asked them out for a lunch date. To double the fun, the student I had just finished examining also joined the crew. So, there were six of us in total.

Now, being the 'cool lecturer' that I think I am, I handed over the steering wheel and asked them to pick the restaurant. The response? Absolute, polite silence. They were so shy! Nobody wanted to make the first move. I totally get it! Been there, done that, wore the awkward student t-shirt.

To break the ice, I stepped in with a curated list of options ranging across various cuisines. You know, trying to cater to everyone’s tastebuds like a proper tour guide. Finally, they collectively voted for sushi, and internally, I was doing a victory dance. Beef Tori Paitan Soup is my ultimate comfort food, and it had been way too long. The moment they said Sushi Ya, I think I agreed faster than the speed of light. 😋

My ultimate comfort food: Beef Ramen in a rich Tori Paitan soup. 

One day, I will taste the authentic masterpiece right in Japan. Manifesting that trip now. 😇

Once we sat down, I gave them the ultimate golden rule: "Go crazy. Take whatever you want off the belt. Do not count the plates. Today, we eat like royalty." ♕

Before the table was completely covered in sushi plates.

Naturally, because they are polite, well-mannered girls, they started off taking one modest plate at a time, looking at me for approval. But give it fifteen minutes, and the initial awkwardness evaporated. Plates started stacking up, laughter started flowing, and they were enjoying the food exactly the way I hoped they would. Seeing them genuinely happy and relaxed made my heart incredibly full.

When they started to feel comfortable, the table quickly began filling up with sushi plates.

Happy faces, full tummies, and a very happy teacher. 😊

But honestly? Sitting there watching them eat also gave me a massive wave of nostalgia.

Back when I was an undergraduate student at UTM Skudai, my own Final Year Project supervisor, Prof Shah, had a beautiful tradition. At the end of every semester, he would treat us to a spectacular meal. He took us to places we could never have afforded on a student budget; like the Pulai Springs Resort and a luxury hotel in JB. To us, it felt like stepping into another dimension.

Back then, sitting at those fancy tables as a broke student, I made a silent promise to myself: “One day, if I ever manage to become a lecturer like Prof Shah, I’m going to do exact same thing for my students.”

Fast forward to today, and that dream has officially become my own little tradition.

It’s a humbling reminder of how life comes full circle. I used to be the shy student counting the expensive plates, and now I get to be the one telling the next generation to forget the price tag and just enjoy the moment. Seeing their happy faces, relieved from the stress of final presentations and completely powered by sushi made me so incredibly proud.

I always remind myself that our job isn't just about passing down equations and knowledge; it’s about passing down the same kindness that helped us survive when we were in their shoes. Honestly, seeing that cycle continue is the most satisfying part of this entire journey

Anyway, that’s the little highlight that made my week. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead. Take care, and bye for now!💕

Equations for a Safer, Greener World

Hi,

I wrapped up this week with my final-year students' project presentations, and I couldn't be prouder. This semester, I am supervising three brilliant young women, each tackling completely different real-world challenges using the power of mathematics. It is always so rewarding to see abstract equations come to life to solve actual, human problems.

Here is a glimpse into the work they've been doing:

Sarah Batrisyia

Sarah kicked off our session on Tuesday with her project, A Mathematical Model of Bullying Dynamic Based on Student Interactions. Her work takes the exact same math model scientists use to track how a flu virus spreads through a city and applies it to stopping school bullying instead! By adapting a clever framework by researcher Nuno Crokidakis, Sarah's model takes everyday school dynamics like peer pressure and social exclusion and turns them into predictable patterns. To make sense of it all, the model groups students into four buckets: those completely out of the drama (susceptible), active bullies, targeted victims (exposed), and the victims who eventually snap and lash out due to intense stress.

Through computer simulations, the model reveals a major "tipping point" for schools. It shows that if anti-bullying programs are strong and peer pressure is kept low, the bully group naturally shrinks to zero over time, creating a safe environment. But if the pressure to fit in is too high or school interventions are weak, bullying gets permanently trapped in the ecosystem. The coolest part about Sarah's project is that it acts like a virtual crystal ball. Instead of just guessing which school rules might work, principals and counselors can use these equations to test out different ideas like empathy programs or family support, to see what actually stops the behavior before trying it in real life.

Nur Aleya Maisara

Next up was Aleya, who presented her project on Predicting Future Crime Trends by Analyzing Crime Dynamics Using a Social Epidemic Approach. Much like Sarah, Aleya looked at a social crisis through a medical lens, treating criminal behavior like a "social epidemic" that catches on through peer pressure and neighborhood networks. Her math breaks a community down into three categories: everyday law-abiding citizens (susceptible), free criminals active on the streets, and offenders locked away in prison. By plugging real-world prison data from Spain and the United States into her computer simulations, she successfully mapped out how crime rises, peaks, and declines over a timeline. 

Her model delivered a fascinating result: criminal activity is currently on a slow downward trend in both countries, meaning current systems are slowly working. However, her project also delivered an indispensable warning for law enforcement and policymakers: the model proves you need at least a decade of historical data to accurately forecast these cycles. Short-term data leads to massive mathematical blind spots, making a decade of history mandatory if we want to accurately predict shifts and design truly effective, long-term community intervention strategies.

Nur Hidayati Batrisyia

Finally, Hidayati wrapped up the presentations by taking us into the heart of the jungle with her project, Investigating Reforestation-Delay Models' Limitations in Capturing Tropical Forest Biomass Trends. Her work took a critical, diagnostic look at existing environmental math, specifically tweaking a model by researcher A.K. Misra. Hidayati modeled the delicate balancing act between rising CO2 levels, human population growth, forest biomass, and the crucial time delay it takes for replanted trees to actually mature and trap carbon. Testing this against real-world data from 2000 to 2024, she uncovered a major limitation in global climate frameworks: while the generic math fits beautifully for Brazil's large-scale forest dynamics, it struggles significantly with Malaysia’s highly structured, stable forest management laws.

Even more alarming, her equations proved that if Malaysia delays its replanting efforts by more than 5.32 years, the entire local ecosystem mathematically breaks out into chaotic, uncontrollable feedback loops. Her work delivers an essential wake-up call to environmental groups: one-size-fits-all climate math is dangerously flawed. To design real, carbon-neutral policies, we must use localized, country-specific mathematical models that respect actual local logging and land laws.

Seeing these three open up new ways of looking at bullying, crime, and climate change completely made my week. It just goes to show that math isn't just numbers you write on the board. It is a powerful tool for building a safer, happier, and greener world! 🌍

Three weeks ago, they presented their posters, showcasing their work and answering questions from the public

And today, these young women are graduating and ready to take on the world.

And that's a little wrap-up of my week! It was so much fun working with the students, and I’m already looking forward to welcoming a new batch of final-year students next season. 

Till next time, bye!💕

The Comfort of Quiet Connections

Hi,

I’m still in the writing mood, so before the daily rush catches up with me, I want to hit pause and share a few things that have filled my heart with pure gratitude recently.

If you meet me at work or out and about, I come across as a pretty easy-going person. I get along with everyone easily, and on the surface, I’m very approachable. But beneath that friendly exterior, I’m actually someone who keeps her inner circle incredibly small. I don't easily open up about everything. Even those closest to me rarely see my daily struggles because I prefer to keep moving forward with a smile, appearing perfectly normal to the world.

When I first started working, lunch dates were the highlight of my week. My colleagues Maisarah and Amirah (yes, I share name with my good friend) quickly became my absolute favorites, and we looked forward to grabbing a bite and laughing together every single week.

Fast forward to today, our timetables are very chaotic. We are all so occupied with our own responsibilities that we barely see each other even in the corridors. My typical lunch date these days? A quick meal at my desk, staring at my computer screen because it’s the easiest and most convenient option.😂

But last week, the stars aligned. We were assigned to work together on a project in KL. It felt like a beautiful trip down memory lane, back to the days when life was just a little bit freer. Between the work sessions, we went hunting for good food, hunted down delicious snacks, and just enjoyed being us again.

And, as if the universe knew I needed a soul-filling week, I also got the chance to meet up with my ultimate girls, my best friends of 30 years.

Since 1995. Over 30 beautiful years and beyond

We all lead incredibly hectic lives, juggling family, careers, and endless to-do lists. So when every single one of them cleared their schedule to show up for a lunchtime catch-up, I was deeply touched. We only had a brief two hours together, but it was among the best moments I've had in a long time. We talked, we laughed, and we packed three decades of love into a single afternoon.

People often say that no matter how fiercely independent you are, you still need good company to make your life truly meaningful. I’ve realized just how true that is. And lately, life has gently reminded me that being strong and independent doesn't mean you have to walk the path completely alone.

My friends don’t need to know every single struggle I am quietly carrying. They don’t need a detailed report of my stressful days. Just the simple, solid fact of knowing that they exist, and that they are always there, makes me feel incredibly supported. Their presence is like a quiet, warm safety net.

So here is my little piece of advice to anyone reading this today. Hold onto the people who make the world feel a little lighter. Life gets busy, schedules clash, and distances grow, but you will need them sooner or later. And when you do, you'll be so glad you kept the fire of relationship burning.

Until the next scribble, take care!💕

Moments Worth Remembering

Hi,

I’m back! And honestly, it feels like my writing skills have staging a minor strike lately. They’re currently swirling somewhere near the drain. Do you ever have so much to say that your brain just short-circuits and refuses to even type the first word?

That’s been me lately. So much has been happening around me, and I know if I don’t sit down and record it right now, these memories will be lost to the void forever. And honestly, last week’s adventures in KL are way too good to forget.

Last week, I traded my usual routine for a few chaotic, high-energy days in Kuala Lumpur for work. The main event? Getting up close and personal with 100 mathematics teachers under the Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN) Selangor, representing both primary and secondary schools. Now, if the idea of being trapped in a room with 100 math teachers sounds like a terrifying pop quiz nightmare to you, let me reassure you, it was amazing.

We actually ran a similar program for JPN Penang last year, which went beautifully. So when the invitation arrived to recreate that magic for Selangor, we thought, “Why not? Let’s do this.” (And because we clearly love a packed schedule, JPN KL and MARA are already next on our hit list. Stay tuned!)

Let me tell you, organizing something like this takes an immense amount of effort. It’s no walk in the park. These teachers are absolute rockstars when it comes to pedagogy, they know how to teach. But where they really look for a helping hand is bridging that teaching skill with modern mathematical technology.

That’s where we stepped in. We spent the days brainstorming, guiding, and troubleshooting. By the end of it, seeing the flood of positive feedback right after the event was the ultimate reward. It’s an exhausting exhaustion, but the good kind. It’s that heart-warming feeling of knowing you’ve actually contributed something tangible to the society (and to the future sanity of school students everywhere).

Such a sporting crowd! 

We welcomed them to our USM KL Campus, and they really appreciated the experience.

To wrap up the trip, we decided to play a little game of last-minute reunion. Since we were in the area, we threw out a sudden signal to some of our recent alumni working nearby. Honestly, we didn't expect much. Giving anyone especially busy working adults in the KL area just a few hours of notice is usually a recipe for a ghost town. But guess what? A few brave souls actually managed to escape their office desks to grab a quick coffee with us. Seeing our former students thriving in the working world is the ultimate proud-teacher moment. It made every bit of the KL traffic and the exhausting prep work entirely worth it.

Despite the generation gaps, they connected instantly and got along so well.

Came for the coffee. Stayed for the company.

So, see? My brain claimed it had forgotten how to write, but we managed to get this memory safely locked down into a blog post anyway. Take that, mental blocks. Now, if you excuse me, I need to go recover from social interactions, prep for JPN KL, and maybe hunt down something sweet to celebrate surviving the week.

Catch you again in the next post!💕

July, Already?

Hi,

Can you believe we’re already seven days into July? It feels wild to say, but happy official start to the second half of the year! (And no, it’s definitely not too late to welcome it).

Where did the time go? More importantly... where did I go?

Honestly, I was right here. Just buried under a mountain of life, trying to keep my head above water.

How has July been so far? To be completely truthful, I don't even know. The first week flew by in such a blur that I barely felt it happen. It’s strange, because July used to be one of my absolute favorite months of the year for so many beautiful reasons. I'm determined to find that magic again.

Consider this a little 'I'm still breathing update'. See you again real soon. 💕

Beyond the Comfort Zone

Hi,

It is past midnight, and here I am, completely wide awake. Sleep has officially ghosted me tonight. Instead of staring at the ceiling, I decided to ride my midnight energy and actually got some work done. The coursework for my Introduction to Modelling course is officially finalized, and I’ve just finished reviewing a thesis scheduled for a viva this coming Monday. Relieved. 😊

So, why am I still awake? Well, it’s a classic case of daytime choices meeting night time consequences. Earlier today, I was battling a stubborn headache and desperately needed a short nap. But the kids had other plans, they wanted to go rollerblading at the park. So, I bargained with myself: Let's do an outdoor run instead. I was hoping the fresh air would cure the headache, while secretly checking off my daily goal of 10,000 steps and 30 minutes of exercise. It worked a little too well, and now my body thinks it's midday! 😂

My dynamic duo, through thick and thin.

Looking back, this week has been incredibly surreal. I was hit with one piece of good work-related news after another. The kind of milestones that probably deserve their own separate post. But reflecting on it all tonight made me realize something I wanted to share. You will never truly know your full potential until you decide to push past your comfort zone.

For nearly a decade, from 2015 to 2024, I was working very comfortably in my position. In my mind, I was doing great, especially when I compared myself to standard benchmarks. But then I had a moment of hard truth. I realized I hadn't really evolved. I was teaching the same courses year after year, publishing mostly locally, and staying exactly where I was. I was reminded of what being a true academic really means, and it hit me that I was still so far from that standard, despite being so proud of the title.

So, I decided to change.

I shifted my focus and began working much more closely with my PhD students. Their success and graduation became my absolute priority. I set a big, scary target. Every single one of my PhD students would graduate with at least two Q1 journal publications. Nothing less. But I couldn't just leave them to figure it out alone. I had to roll up my sleeves and dive deep into the research with them to ensure we were producing top-tier work.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. Our very first paper went through a brutal cycle of eight rejections at the revision stage. (Yes, eight!) But instead of giving up, we chose to look at rejections as free, expert masterclasses. We used every single reviewer's critique to polish, rewrite, and perfect the manuscript. After a year of being perfectly "cooked," that paper was finally accepted into a fantastic journal.

Today, we use that exact same formula learned from our failures. Because we didn't back down, my students and I have now published at least five papers in Q1 journals, and we are just getting started. If there is one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that great things happen when you refuse to stay comfortable. This doesn't just apply to academia, it applies to every part of life.

I hope this sparks a little reminder for anyone reading this. Don't settle for being comfortable. Challenge yourself, embrace the rejections as lessons, and keep pushing. You might just surprise yourself with what you are truly capable of achieving.

That’s all for my late-night brain dump. Time to try and finally catch some sleep. See you again soon! Goodnight! 💕