When I had first applied to attend the European conference, I could not, in my wildest dreams, imagine myself being chosen to attend, nonetheless finding a place within the fold of these incredible scholars. Whenever I recount the story and am asked to share the best part, I always speak of the generosity of the staff, the speakers, and most of all, the scholars.
Stepping off the plane, I arrived at the sleepy airport around 5am the next day. Knowing fully that I’d be required to stay awake until that night, I purchased my first coffee that morning. When I finally arrived at Trinity College, it was around noon (still a full half day before the conference started). I was generously met with a Trinity scholar who offered to take me for my third coffee of the day and briefly show me some spots around campus.
That evening, I was racked with excitement—and exhaustion. Fuelled by six coffees, three diet cokes, and two green teas, I proceeded to meet two of the panelists in the session I was facilitating: Susanna Kempe, the CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation, and Bidemi Afolabi, an alumnus and founder of the disruptive technology startup, ProMotion. I was again astonished by the generosity and warmth extended by these two figures, both of whom I had been so intimidated to meet. Not only were they kind in our conversation, but they showed reciprocal interest in my own research and passions. I ended the long day with the immense delight of finally seeing the scholars I had, for so long, been ardent to meet. This group was so incredibly remarkable and talented; yet also down to earth, humorous, and kind.
The next day was packed with speakers, events, and activities—all of which were immensely interesting and engaging. I was struck by the depth to which my fellow scholars were equally invested in aspects of ethical leadership and the positive impacts of their own research. Learning about new diversity initiatives within the college, hearing from the provost, and receiving the keynote from a young and inspiring, yet empathetic, climate activist, were all highlights of the day.
In between, I had the opportunity to present my own poster, during which time I feared that no one would be interested. I was proven tremendously incorrect, to my delight, as scholars from across the continent came to speak with me about my observations and their implications around the region of my Ontario university.
Overall, this trip is one that I will always remember—not only as my first academic conference, but as a weekend of reciprocity, kindness, laughter, and the beginning of many wonderful friendships. While I had stepped through the doors strewn with imposter syndrome, this quickly dissipated with the generosity and openness of my fellow scholars. I’d like to thank the organizers and staff at the Laidlaw foundation one thousand times over for this incredible conference. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the Trinity group, who not only took care of me all weekend, but were wonderful companions all around (even taking me to see the Book of Kells in the Long Library after I had forgotten to buy tickets, which was a highlight). Last but not least, I can’t wait to see where all the scholars I met go in their future endeavors.
Photos by the author (me!) Please feel free to reach out if you would like to obtain some photographs of the campus/conference!