Some Reflections and Thoughts.
Facilitating the workshop at TEDxAUEB was an exhilarating and deeply meaningful experience. The session, where we built our own museum through unique body-based activities—museum walk, dancing while still, and drawing on black paper—was designed to challenge participants to explore the role of their bodies in self-creation. The session, designed to engage participants with art through embodied experiences, was fully booked, with an additional 80 people waiting for cancellations—a testament to the growing interest in body-based pedagogies in art education.  The feedback I received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how the workshop provided them with new perspectives on how their bodies interact with works of art - most of the times, unconsciously. Their enthusiasm and reflections were not only inspiring but also validated the theoretical framework of my research, confirming that these ideas have real-world impact, and are in fact applicable in smaller scale.

Moreover, the workshop provided an invaluable platform to showcase my research to a global audience, potentially paving the way for future collaborations. Engaging with participants from diverse backgrounds also enriched my understanding of how these pedagogies, when adapted accordingly and with care, can be applied in various contexts, thereby deepening my research.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to discuss my academic journey at Teachers College with a few attendees (most of them undergraduate students) who were particularly interested in my path as a doctoral student. This exchange highlighted the importance of my institution’s role in shaping my research and offered me a moment of pride to represent it on such a prestigious stage.

Overall, this workshop was a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey, offering both affirmation and new avenues for exploration.

Recommendations for students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity.
Consider exploring opportunities that may appear less academic, as the scope of a PhD is often broader than you might expect. The application of your knowledge may lead to surprising avenues, so be ready for unexpected questions that will not only broaden your perspective but also deepen your passion and expertise.