As an external doctoral student with CQUniversity’s School of Education and the Arts, I don’t always feel the buzz of campus life. But this week, that changed. I opened my mailbox to find a crinkled (but heartfelt!) letter from the research team – and two tiny, delightful surprises: a Yorkshire Terrier mini-block set and a snack based mini-block construction kit.
The letter invited me to the upcoming 2025 School of Education and the Arts Symposium, with a reminder that research is about connection and piecing together ideas and experiences to build something meaningful. The mini-block kits were a playful nod to that idea, encouraging us to take a breather and reflect on the process of building, in every sense.
I ask the important Qs though: like did someone at CQU know my doctoral research explores reading-to-dog programs?
Because… a Yorkshire Terrier mini-block kit seems more than a fluke!
Coincidence? Or the most adorably on-brand academic encouragement I’ve ever received?
Melissa Smith 