Today’s blog post is a little different and tinged with bittersweet feelings, as it is the last one I will write as part of PESS at the University of Limerick. When Mary offered me the opportunity to write a final recap, I did not hesitate. I saw it as a unique chance to express my gratitude and learning from this wonderful experience. In this reflection on my experience, I wanted to highlight gestures that are often overlooked yet have a profound impact on people. I have compiled some of those that had a significant impact on me—gestures I believe are worth recognising, so they are not lost and can help newcomers, especially young international women, navigate their own journeys.
- Orientation: Helping early-careers to grow
I arrived at UL full of ideas and enthusiasm but with little knowledge of the system and the opportunities within it. Elaine Murtagh, my mentor in UL’s mentoring programme, patiently and generously gave me her time—something precious for academics and often lacking. Through various meetings, she informed me about progression requirements, funding calls, connected me with potential partners at other universities, and reviewed my proposal before submission, which was subsequently successfully funded. It is needed that someone take the time and care to guide and channel your energy to turn potential into reality. - Adaptation: finding community abroad
I have also been fortunate to have other international academics close to me, like Antonio Calderón, Jenna Lorusso, Thayse Gomes and Marina Castro, with whom I could converse in my native language or share anecdotes comparing contexts. This understanding and sense of community among international colleagues reassures you that “your thoughts are not so strange” and helps you navigate new situations. - Recognition: Small gestures, big impact
UL has been full of small gestures that, even if unnoticed by those offering them, make a world of difference to someone early in their career. Shortly after arriving, Phil Kearney, despite his busy schedule, took time to go for a walk with me (it rained, of course) to discuss shared research interests—without any agenda other than exchanging ideas and perspectives. Since then, he has invited me to progression meetings, shared a book chapter with me, and always made time to read and respond to my long emails. For a young woman in male-dominated fields, such as soccer/coaching, these gestures have had an enormous positive impact on my confidence and empowerment, and I find it necessary to give recognition to that.
The PESS team is also wonderful at recognising achievements, often sending emails congratulating successes or publications. For example, receiving emails from Frank and Mark re my publications always made me smile. Also, senior colleagues I admire, like Ann MacPhail or Deborah Tannehill, took time to meet and engage, gestures that help shape and enhance your identity in a new context.
- Shared teaching: Learning through collaboration
The commitment of the BSc PE team and its staff to teaching excellence with a human perspective is inspiring. Special thanks go to Ursula, who initially “rescued” me from teaching the aquatic component of our shared module, and who has shown me a teaching reality beyond strict science/ideas, always making me feel supported. She always had my back. Brendan’s insights have also been invaluable, helping me navigate the Irish educational system to deliver the best teaching possible, answering all my questions patiently. Finally, the afternoons spent with Sean, Daniel, and Brigitte observing the incredible work they do at i-Play have sparked new interests in me and opened up new perspectives. The selfless exchange of knowledge and know-how within the team only serves to enhance the overall teaching quality of the degree, keeping it well clear of competition or comparison. - Committees with heart
For the first time, I served on a faculty-level committee where I initially knew no one (EDI Committee) and was surrounded by wonderful, experienced women who listened to and validated my contributions in every meeting, with special mention to Hilary C. Again, these small gestures contribute to a less hierarchical academy that values diverse perspectives. - Human kindness and community
All of the above would mean little without the genuine human quality and sense of community in this department. One could say that a key criterion for recruitment at UL is being a good person! Moving to a new country and finding people willing to get to know you, check in, invite you into their homes, or take time for a farewell coffee or dinner is invaluable. - Students’ commitment I cannot close this recap without mentioning my students. Their patience, enthusiasm, and desire to learn have motivated me every day to seek better strategies and research that truly transfers to their realities. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your learning journey and for not letting cultural or linguistic barriers get in the way. You have taught me far more than I have taught you. With a special heartfelt memory of Aoife.
In essence, all of these experiences share one thing: the gift of time and care. It does not appear in promotion portfolios or excellence rankings, yet its impact is profound. I hope this small blog highlights its significance. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity given and for my time at UL. It has helped me grow as a person, researcher, and educator, and I hope to carry forward the lessons and practices I have learned here to help others feel as supported and inspired as I have.
Carmen Barquero-Ruiz is an Associate Professor B in Physical Education in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, UL.
Contact: carmen.barqueroruiz@ul.ie. Follow on X: @cbarquero93. Research Profiles: ResearchGate, ORCID, Linked-In
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