Week 19: The Seed that we Plant

If I had to describe this week in one sentence, I’d say it feels like a tree has fallen, and I’m beginning to grow a new one.

It’s been hard and I am not afraid to admit it, but there’s something hopeful in it, too. Restarting takes time, and I know there may be some more difficult days along the way but still, I’m determined to stay positive, care for this new growth, and help it become stronger with every step.

I hope you’ve all had a good week. And if you haven’t, I hope you’re able to find a little light and joy at the end of the tunnel. But, without further ado, let’s get this blog started!

The Animals and Pets that Provide Us Companionship

According to News in Health (2018), animals can offer companionship and may help reduce stress and encourage social interaction.

People share their homes with all kinds of pets, from dogs, cats, and rabbits to birds, reptiles, and even spiders. Over time, people and their pets can form a special bond. Caring for an animal can bring comfort, routine, and joy, and that connection can be a meaningful part of someone’s wellbeing.

I don’t have any pets myself currently, but I love spending time around animals. They make me laugh, lift my mood, and help me feel calmer. There’s a cat on my campus, which is one more reason I love being there! And funny pet videos? They’re have certainly been a fun way to relax and find something to smile about.

But how can pets form companionships? Pets can build companionship with us through familiarity, attention, and the routines we share. They can often learn to recognise our voices and notice changes in our behaviour, then respond in ways that feel comforting. Every animal is different, but these small moments can make a bond feel very special.

I used to have a parrot, and believe me, she was a true diva. Whenever I was sad, she would somehow appear out of thin air. One of the funniest things was watching her walk up the stairs to find us, following the sound of our voices. It always felt as though she knew exactly where we were and she certainly knew how to make herself part of the moment.

One of the things I find amazing is just how many kinds of animals share our world. Some become much-loved pets, while others live freely in nature or around our towns and cities.

When I visited Turkey, I met so many adorable stray cats. Seeing them around the streets made me feel excited and happy, and those little encounters became a lovely part of the trip. It’s incredible how even a small moment with an animal can brighten your day and stay in your memory long after you’ve moved on.

Whether it’s a beloved pet at home, an animal you meet on campus, or a video that brightens your day, these moments of connection can bring a little comfort and happiness.

I strongly believe that all animals deserve care, kindness, and protection. Whether they’re much-loved pets or animals living in the wild, they should be treated with compassion and respect. We can all play a part by supporting responsible care and helping protect the places animals call home.

Post Graduating: Our Biggest Fears

I think this is something I’ve been afraid to admit, but since starting my postgraduate journey, I’ve had to face a lot of fears and I am still working through them. It hasn’t always been easy, but recognising those feelings is a good first step and is completely normal to have.

One of my biggest fears and one I imagine many postgraduate students share is facing a major change. When I decided to take on a research-focused master’s, I was told it would be a very different journey. I don’t think I fully understood what that meant.

I felt confident that not much would change and that I’d know how to handle whatever came my way. But starting this new chapter has shown me that there’s still a lot to learn. I’m reminding myself that it takes time to find my feet. Each challenge that I am working through will help me build my skills and strengthen my confidence, even if I don’t feel completely sure of myself yet.

Another challenge I’m facing is learning to pace myself and not stress about everything all at once. Those who know me well know I’m an enthusiastic planner and a very organised person. When something unexpected happens or plans are uncertain, I can feel myself start to panic. And the future, That’s definitely something I think about a lot.

I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t need to have everything figured out straight away. Taking my time isn’t a bad thing; it gives me space to focus on what’s in front of me and handle each step as it comes. I’m still working on it, but learning to slow down is part of the journey, too.

Finally, one of the things I think I overthink most is how much I can achieve. I love working hard and making the people around me happy, but I don’t always remember to look after myself along the way.

As I continue my postgraduate journey, I hope to get better at finding a balance. Working hard matters to me, but so does making time to rest, notice how I’m feeling, and do things that bring me joy. I’m learning that caring for myself isn’t separate from making progress it’s part of being able to keep going.

Admitting all of this feels like a big milestone for me. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can remind others in the postgraduate community that it’s normal not to feel perfectly confident or have everything figured out all the time. We’re all learning as we go, and being honest about that can help us feel less alone.

Advice For Adults:

You’ve entered a new stage of life: adulthood. It often comes with more responsibility, greater independence, and new expectations. Officially described as adults being mature or fully grown, but becoming an adult doesn’t mean you suddenly have everything figured out.

For many people, adulthood feels exciting and scary at the same time. There may be new opportunities to make your own choices, alongside responsibilities and uncertainties you haven’t faced before. It’s okay to feel both and to take this stage one step at a time.

Being a young adult myself I am still learning a lot of new things however these are few tips and tricks that I have picked up along the way which I think can be helpful.

One of the most important things I’d tell adults is that it’s still okay to make mistakes. Sometimes, people get the impression that growing older means they should always know what to do. But mistakes don’t have an age limit as we can all make them at any stage of life.

What matters is how we respond: being honest about what happened, learning from it, and trying a different approach next time. Admitting you got something wrong isn’t shameful. It does takes courage but it can help you grow.

Another common misconception about adulthood is that you’re supposed to have everything figured out and planned. But life is unpredictable, and we continue to change as we grow. Our interests, priorities, and even the things we enjoy can evolve over time.

Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and that’s okay. There isn’t one schedule everyone has to follow. We’re each on our own path, learning and adjusting as we go. Letting go of the idea that adulthood should look a certain way can give us more room to make choices that feel right for us.

Finally, we need to keep looking out for one another. From a young age, many of us are taught to be kind and respectful, and those values don’t stop mattering when we become adults in many ways, they become even more important.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own routines and lose sight of how others are doing. A quick check-in, a thoughtful message, or simply listening can offer real comfort when someone needs it. We all move through life differently, but small acts of care can help us feel more connected.

Adulthood also brings plenty of fun experiences and new opportunities. Make time to enjoy them, celebrate the little moments, and discover what makes this stage of life meaningful for you.

Weekly Funny Moment Of The Week: Truly Unhinged Personality

This week, I think my personality took a bold step towards saying exactly what it thinks! I usually keep a lot of my anger and frustration to myself, but something about this week brought it all bubbling to the surface.

On my way home from university, I spotted someone riding an e-scooter along the main road in the dark. I was so frustrated that, for a moment, I wanted someone to give them a serious talking-to. Looking back, I think I may have discovered that I have a bit of road rage!

It was a reminder that frustration can surprise you and that it’s usually best to pause, take a breath, and let the moment pass safely.

Aisha's Tiny But Mighty Weekly Advice Section: The Importance Of Being An Active Learner

This week has been a real eye-opener for me. It reminded me that we’re always learning, and staying open to new ideas is an important part of that.

Many people picture learning as sitting in a classroom while someone teaches a lesson. That can certainly be part of it, but learning happens in lots of other ways, too: through conversations, new experiences, challenges, and reflecting on what we’ve done. Sometimes we learn most when we’re willing to be curious, ask questions, and admit there’s still more to discover.

Being open to learning helps us grow and discover new opportunities. When we are able to stay curious, ask questions, and are willing to try unfamiliar things, we give ourselves the chance to build new skills and see what we’re capable of. We don’t need to know everything already; being ready to learn is a great place to start.

Trying new hobbies and exploring different interests can be a one of the best ways way to learn . Along the way, you might develop practical skills as well as mental ones, such as patience, creativity, or problem-solving. All these skills could lead to a new interest or what you might discover about yourself while giving it a try.

Another way we learn and grow is through conversations. I’ve always felt that other people hold a lot of wisdom, shaped by their own experiences and perspectives. Taking the time to listen and ask questions can introduce us to ideas we may not have considered before. Sometimes, one thoughtful conversation can really open our eyes.

Finally, Learning happens all the time, knowledge is all around us and we must be open and exited to approach it. Once we do, we grow and just keep developing!

End Of Blog Sign - Off:

This week has certainly been tough, so I’m glad to bring it to a close. I’m going to take things one step at a time and that’s the advice I’d share with everyone this week, too. We don’t have to solve everything all at once.

As the evenings get darker and winter approaches, I hope you find comfort in the little things: a warm jumper, a cup of hot chocolate, and your favourite scarf and gloves. Stay cosy and take care of yourselves.

Until Next Week

Aisha.