I have never met Chlöe Swarbrick but interviewing her on a crochet-knit-covered-couch is a rite of passage in the realm of student magazines. And because I have never met Chlöe, this leaves me in a pompous predicament; I’m struggling to find my identity as an editor because I’m yet to meet radical left-wing politicians. However, I have the gift of discernment and play by stereotypes. Pondering over my own liberal values and others alike, I am led to believe that Chlöe’s favourite type of tea is oolong. 

 

Early Grey is trash, Yorkshire tea is too. Oolong? Not trash. It’s a fine option and one that has become much less rare as Gen Z approaches adulthood. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a tea expert and my taste buds aren’t as attuned to some flavours (I like white wine and am prepared to fight anyone who doesn’t). Nonetheless, oolong tea has reserved a space in my heart as well as Chlöe’s. 

 

So, why is oolong tea Chlöe’s favourite? For a start, oolong comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, that makes both green tea and black tea. Thus making Green tea and the Green Party, in some ways, synonymous. Green tea contains mounds of antioxidants which is said to protect the brain from aging. And that leads me to believe the Green Party drink mounds of oolong because of their youthful looking staff. Not only does oolong have anti-aging properties but it has a far more palatable taste. Chlöe has great taste, not only in tea but in political values and the design of the Green Party merch. Coincidence? I think not. 

 

To be quite honest with you, I am trying to fill space in this editorial and have managed to play into the political trope of saying a lot without actually saying anything meaningful at all. Nevertheless, I know Chlöe will also be visiting the Hamilton campus later this month on the 25th and know that I’ll be ready with two hot oolong teas and set to complete my rite of passage.