Conferences are an odd blend of clarity and ambiguity. A total of three days, and I’m already changed in some small way. Curious to see what’s ahead, and what armour I should carry. #AcademicSky

But in the midst of the #conference noise, a few moments stood out. Real conversations, unscripted and unguarded. Tourist recommendations and gentle favours for taking pictures. Thankfully they breathed some life, for a moment I was feeling unimpressed. #AcademicSky

It's clear that the subtleties of #powerdynamics are unmissable. Advice that wasn’t asked for, authority quietly asserted. Power and hierarchies are alive and well, and it seems we're never safe. #AcademicSky

But not everything seemed safe. There was a female presenter who faced a harsh critique. It was painful to witness and deeply unnecessary. I thought - #feedback should build bridges, not walls. We owe each other kindness, especially here. Especially when it's our first time. #AcademicSky

On the first day I presented my work. I strayed from the script, and surprisingly, it clicked. A few kind words from strangers reminded me how much affirmation, however small, can really make a difference. #AcademicSky