3 years have flown by and I still reflect on my 11 years at Nottingham with fondness. I’m not sure if I’ll stay in HE after maternity leave, but I’ve had a wonderful time since I began at UoN as a fresher in 2014 and I’ll always be grateful to the place and the people there. 🤍

I think sometimes the narrative of mobility can put a lot of pressure on people. Ultimately, you thrive where you feel safe and supported. For me, that was Nottingham.

I stayed at UoN despite the common advice to move to a different institution because it felt like home and I knew the environment worked for me. I’m glad I didn’t listen and stayed there, even if I did end up doing my undergrad, MA and PhD at the same place.

It wasn’t easy navigating mental illness and studying. I didn’t tell anyone at UoN what was going on. In hindsight I probably should have at least told my supervisors but I’m committed to reflecting more honestly on the journey now in case it helps someone else.

I’ll be taking some time out from social media and academia to get better. Hopefully see people on the other side. 👋🏼

I don’t always post about my mental health / illness difficulties but I think it’s important to normalise having a difficult time postpartum. It’s not a failure and doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby, it’s just an intense period, especially with other things going on.

Thanks so much!! 🥰 May take you up on that as I feel like I'm going a bit mad!

Like, am I reinventing the wheel???

Amazing, congratulations!!