In 2025, I collaborated with the Global Development Institute at the University of Manchester in several areas. One of them was supervising Master’s students on their dissertations for the first time in my career. Not long ago, I was the student staring at a blank page, with a research idea that needed academic guidance to become a dissertation. Now that I was sitting on the other side of the table, I focused not only on practical advice such as how to strengthen their arguments, refine their methodology, and structure their work. I also decided to help my students navigate the process and reassure them that doubt and uncertainty are normal in this writing journey, and that they could count on me for honest feedback and steady support. Watching those projects take shape was deeply rewarding—and reading their acknowledgements even more so. It reminded me that this role is not only about helping students reach the finish line, but also about supporting their well-being along the way!