iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

With our new Prime Minister being an English Literature graduate, could he please help put a stop to the cuts to Arts & Humanities subjects in universities across the country? @downingstreet.bsky.social @andyburnham.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk @universities-uk.bsky.social

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Yesterday, I baked my Mum’s birthday cake 🎂

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

I’m also very passionate about history as a humanities discipline, literary heritage, and the importance of museums/archives. Very grateful to be a part of this amazing community; thank you so much to the RHS for the opportunity! 2/2

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

I am delighted to have been elected as a Postgraduate Member of the @royalhistsoc.org (RHS) in their recent council meeting. From a very young age, I’ve always been fascinated by history (being bias, it’s always been about Victorians, being a Victorianist). 1/2

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

This is absolutely disgusting. My thoughts are with all students and staff at the University of Hertfordshire. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/hertfor...

timeshighereducation.com

Hertfordshire drops history, English and other humanities courses

University says programmes no longer financially viable owing to drops in recruitment

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

I am not sure when the article will be published, but the reporter is keeping me informed, so hopefully it will soon! 4/4

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

During my interview, I mentioned this, along with how significant the subject of English Literature has been in my life. I also spoke of the incredible teachers/lecturers I have had teach me from primary school to university. 3/4

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

I have always felt passionate about the importance of Arts & Humanities subjects. To see them being constantly defined as “low-value” and “Mickey Mouse” degrees by the media and some politicians infuriated me. 2/4

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

It’s been a while since I posted! A little update: a couple of weeks ago, I did a telephone interview with a reporter from The Times on the subject of “low-value” degrees. 1/4

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

A few pictures taken in a glorious Stratford-upon-Avon during a visit on Easter Sunday 🌸

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

My cat decided to assist me with thesis-writing yesterday…🐈‍⬛

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

I saw it on Saturday, it’s awful!😩 The cinematography and visuals were good, but the entire change to the story and unnecessary addition of sex scenes were just the icing on the cake! Poor Emily, my heart breaks for her! The ONLY good thing is that the sales of the novel have increased.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

So sad to hear about the passing of Jesse Jackson. A civil rights icon who made such an impact for Black people throughout his life. He will be so missed. Thank you for your advocacy, Jesse.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I’m pleased to say that it went really well! A great discussion on two of my chapter drafts, with really constructive feedback going forward. Onwards and upwards, hopefully I will have a completed/submitted doctoral thesis by the end of this year!

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I haven’t posted on here for a while! Bit of a life/PhD update: I had my PhD confirmation review last week…

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Just baked an apple crumble 🍏🥧

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Is there a way to access this at all? I also wrote something for it prior to the funeral; it’d be lovely to read some of the contributions and memories.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

It really does, he was so kind and generous to everyone who knew him. Thank you.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Simon was my primary PhD supervisor. I watched this a few months back when I heard of his unfortunate passing; it brought a tear to my eye. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this time; he was such a special person❤️

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

I’d just like to wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas, and all the very best for 2026! I hope you have a wonderful time with your families and loved ones!🎄❄️☃️🌟

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

So Charlie decided to bring a dead mouse into the dining room last night!😩🐭

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

It’s so amazing to see something positive come out of something negative. The power of social media is immense. I’ve honestly loved reading all of the academic accomplishments from women around the world🥺

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Fortunately, academic women worldwide have stood up. They are reposting Richard Cooper’s original post of “Just look at the degree on that chick”, and posting it alongside images of themselves in their graduation gowns, with their acquired degrees (I may have also joined in🙊).

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

According to some of these trolls, women should still be prohibited from attending universities. This is disturbing. Some of the comments I have read are scary, with some saying that the only purpose women have in this world is to reproduce (it’s giving very strong Handmaid’s Tale/Gilead vibes…😳).

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

The above post was in response to Dr @juliet-turner.bsky.social’s PhD celebratory post.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

“Just look at the degree on that chick – No man ever” – Richard Cooper, 2025 Recently on X (formerly Twitter), there has been a growing trend of trolls (mostly incels), directing hate towards women who have achieved academic success.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

You can’t have a world without the arts and humanities; we would lose our ability to learn, understand, and appreciate creativity and culture. This is hugely disappointing, I stand with all the affected students and staff at UoN.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

I had friends studying music and modern languages during my time as a Master’s student at UoN, and this is shocking news to read.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

I am both angered and saddened to read that my previous university, the University of Nottingham, is suspending its music and modern languages courses from 10th November. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham - BBC News

In a statement the institution also says it is "proposing to reduce its nursing offer".

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

That’s why I am pleased to support @thetimes.com’ #GetBritainReading campaign. Reading is such a significant skill, and children can learn so much through it. Take the campaign pledge to read for at least 10 minutes a day for the next six weeks: link.thetimes.co.uk/join/74t/sig...

link.thetimes.co.uk

Get Britain reading signup

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

I am saddened to have read in @thetimes.com that: ‘One in ten children aged aged five to 18 surveyed by the National Literacy Trust do not have a book of their own. Secondary school heads say many 11-year-olds arrive in Year 7 still in the early stages of learning to read.’…

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

🧵I always had my head stuck in a book when I was little…From Ladybird books, to Roald Dahl, to Jacqueline Wilson, I was always fascinated with literature. Every other week, I was reading a different book…

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

‘Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.’ – Dame Jane Goodall I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. She was an incredible woman who cared so much for wildlife. She will be so missed. ❤️ www.bbc.com/news/article...

bbc.com

Dame Jane Goodall remembered as 'true hero for the planet' - BBC News

Leonardo DiCaprio and Barack Obama are among those paying tribute to the leading conservationist.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Back to thesis-writing! Currently writing Chapter Two, Section Three on Mary Kingsley and West Africa, and reading the Victorian periodical: Mainly about People.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

I’m happy to announce that I have started recording the first episode of my podcast, Victorian Curiosities!🎙️The episode will focus on the life of Victorian icon, Frederick Douglass, and will discuss his tireless advocacy for the civil rights of African Americans.

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Currently reading for Chapter Two, Section Three of my thesis, which focuses on Mary Kingsley’s Travels in West Africa (1897). It’s a fascinating narrative! 📚

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

Thank you so much to Waterstones Nottingham for a wonderful evening, and of course, to the amazing Jacqueline Wilson, for being such a big part of mine, and so many others’ childhoods!🥺📚📖🌟 3/3

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

I, like so many other girls, grew up reading books. It was a pleasure to hear her thoughts on her career, writing experience, and characters; she is such a lovely lady! 2/3

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

Last night, I attended An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson, hosted by @waterstones.bsky.social at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Nottingham. 1/3

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Happy 207th birthday to my favourite Brontë sister, Emily, and happy 67th birthday to one of my favourite musical artists, Kate Bush! Two amazingly talented women born on the same day, 140 years apart. ‘I will walk where my own nature would be leading.’ - Emily Brontë

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Just renewed my @dickensfellowhq.bsky.social subscription. It’s good to be back!🎩📚

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Ayesha Gaye @ayeshagaye.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Yesterday I completed the first draft of Chapter Two, Section Two on Charles Dickens after having a bit of a break from thesis-writing. Current overall word count is about 42,000 words, so I’m now onto the countdown to 50,000. Feeling more determined than ever to finish my PhD.

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