Remember when I said I was an unreliable narrator? Well that’s half-true. But I’m sitting here listening to Cherry Wine – live by Hozier, and reflecting on the year and the things I’ve said. There’s a light breeze blowing and I’m pondering on the successes we’ve had at Nexus, the friendships formed, and the way I’ve created my family in this team. Though, most importantly, I’ve grown so much. Not just in my way of thinking but also my level of mental maturity. I still tell the same jokes, but my managerial skills and diplomacy have all improved tenfold and I’ve loved every moment of being in charge.
When I came into this role, the level of fear I had writing and submitting that for all to see had me on the edge. It’s an obvious answer though, it all comes down to that tingly feeling that sits right in the limbic system – made up of the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and thalamus (you know, those triangles from Maths in year 8). Creatives are faced with that anxious feeling of judgement as someone picks up your mahi and turns it in their fingers. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t fucking matter man.
Nexus has had its ups and downs this year, with writers leaving and new ones starting. We’ve seen the death of Her Royal Majesty, the rise of petrol to astronomical rates, veges at staggering highs, and more ducks being raped per capita in our lake. But all these things come with the positives. We’ve had some of the strongest narratives being told through these pages, celebrating 55 years of shitposting and those 54 editors before me that have left their mark on the UoW history. The WSU is thriving, with staff that have been nothing but endlessly helpful in the processes to run this Union the way it should be run. My account has several transactions made at the student bar. A couply cheeky bevs after mahi is my small part in supporting the ongoing success of ventures made by WSU.
Back to the unreliable narrator part though (I swear I cannot stay on topic if my life depended on it). I’ve spent 24 issues (minus the 25th thanks Tehana ya lad) convincing you all that I’m a halfway decent person in a menial attempt to meet your standard for what an Editor should be. We’ve had our ups and downs, you’ve all read me at my worst but also at my absolute best. We’ve chatted about politics, sports, and all those things in between. Shit, I even got drugged in an attempt to write a story. And it was a hella good one man. I hope that I’ve provided insightful commentary on things that sort of matter and those things that definitely don’t. You’ve stuck it out with me, and I’ll be endlessly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me as your voice and direction for Nexus this year. I’m not an inherently sappy person but fuck off, I’m allowed to emotional over the last issue right?
I’m not sure what the future holds or whether I’ll be back but for now, ka kitz and I hope you’ve all enjoyed the ride this year. I know I have. See you when I’m looking at you – From your unproblematic uncle.
