This week, I had the very special opportunity to return to the place where I defended my PhD and give a talk at Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics - CRAG about my career path and my current work.

Standing in that room again brought back so many memories: the nerves of defending, the excitement of becoming a scientist, and the many people who helped shape my path along the way. It was incredibly meaningful to reconnect with old friends and mentors, and just as exciting to meet and share ideas with new colleagues.

Coming back after a decade, not as a PhD student but as a scientist reflecting on the journey so far, was truly heartwarming.

Grateful for the invitation, the conversations, and the reminder that our scientific paths are built not only through experiments and publications, but also through communities, mentors, friendships, and the places that help us grow.