Well guess what, I’m older now and I’m struggling to see what you meant by that? This seems to be an easy solution to difficult questions that kids ask their parents. “Just wait and see” or “It’ll make sense when you grow up”. But in doing that, you’re not allowing the growth and lessons to be learnt through inquisitive pestering. 

 

Understand that I’m not a father making it difficult to comment on child development, but I was a child once. Skills and life lessons that I would have benefited from went astray as my parents decided perhaps I was too young to understand. But then I missed valuable lessons that would have helped me from making mistakes as I became a contributing adult. This begs the question of whether skills learned or skills taught are more important. As someone who recently met the brunt end of his own actions, I’m overwhelmed with anxiety and the need to disappear into myself. Though we all understand that facing mistakes head on is always the way to go. It makes understanding your errors simpler but it’s not easy on the old brain as you have to process how you can be a better person and not hurt those around you.

 

Here’s the deal, I fell in love with my childhood girlfriend. Again. This was no fault of my own but because I couldn’t understand the difference between lust and love. There’s a fine line you have to walk when navigating dating and casual relationships and knowing when something is less than serious is an important skill to have. I, unfortunately, can’t always discern that distinction. So what should’ve been a simple hook-up, a summer romance, turned into me pining for someone who was leaving again anyway. Faced with this reality, and the resurfacing of my own past mistakes, I’m at a crossroad. My heart is telling me to run but my brain and logic is telling me to stand strong and face my fears. And not fall in love with someone who should’ve been a hook up and only that.

 

To recap before moving forward. I’ve been a piece of shit to people around me. I had a failed summer romance. And I’ve learnt so many things over the past few months – well since we were last together. I missed you all but it’s your turn to share right?

 

Welcome to Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato and Nexus magazine, or welcome back to our returning students. Somehow I thought this to be the best way of introducing your student magazine, and as it is my third year, I wanted to say fuck it and have some fun. Nexus, as you’ll come to read, doesn’t take itself seriously and we aren’t the pinnacle of journalism. What we are is an escape and an hour of fun that you can have in lectures. There’s going to be some bigger stories and some hard-hitting content but I wanted to ease you in, so to speak. 

 

Enjoy what’s set to be another year of thrills, spills and just some hella fun content from the heart of Waikato University, the students. Remember, if you want to get involved then you can reach us everywhere. We’re just a message, email or in-person door knock away. Be safe this o-week and send me photos (editor@nexusmag.co.nz).