When I first began considering applying for Editor-in-Chief this time last year, I spent several months feeling a great deal of anxiety. I wasn’t sure if I was capable of leading a whole team, or running an entire newspaper. I had so many ideas I wanted to put into action, but I was also scared of doing it all alone. Little did I know, I didn’t have to, as I was lucky enough to become Matthew’s Co-Editor!

To try and sum up this last year in a short paragraph is nearly impossible. I can’t even begin to thank the incredible, hardworking and creative Concrete and Venue team this year who have supported Matthew and I every bit of the way. When we put this team together, Matthew and I regularly spoke about how we had lucked out. This team is full of some of the most amazing writers, editors, photographers and just general lovely people that I’ve come across. It is the team who made me feel like Concrete was my home. Every issue, every member of this team from senior writers, to section editors, to photographers, to our contributors, make Concrete whole. It takes every individual person and their effort to make Concrete what it is, and every person in the team plays such a vital role towards the end result.

I’ve put off writing this editorial until the evening before because I genuinely couldn’t quite face it. It is my third and final year at UEA, and I’ve met friends for life here. I will remember the memories I’ve made at UEA and in Concrete forever, and I can’t imagine a time where I won’t look back and smile with fondness thinking of the team. I have been so proud seeing our section editors grow in confidence this year, and even just seeing Concrete being read and consumed on campus by students.

I have learnt so much from those in the team, as well as from interviewing various students and staff from UEA, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. We have achieved things as a team this year that I never would’ve anticipated – from Best Regional Publication through the SPAs, to nominations at the STARS 2024. I am beyond grateful to have been part of such a hardworking and talented group of people.

I want to use my last opportunity in an editorial to thank everyone who has picked up a copy of Concrete this year and given it a read. To those who have contributed to Concrete or Venue, or even supported us on social media. You may not think much of it, but in an age where print publications are dying out, you are actively helping to support student journalism and to ensure that the university is always held to account. I also want to thank those in the SU who have supported us this year – your kindness really doesn’t go amiss. And of course a mention for our sibling we pretend we hate but we actually love to death – Livewire1350! I am really going to miss tuning in to you all and chatting to you in the Media Office. I’m wishing you all the best of luck next year!

Finally, I want to thank Matthew (even though he’s already bored to death of seeing me in the Media Office!) for being the best Co-Editor I could’ve asked for. We have laughed together, jammed out to Olivia Rodrigo and ABBA, as well as shared hours working tirelessly on Friday evenings to make sure every last page is ready for publication. The friendship I have formed with Matthew is for life, and I have Concrete to thank for that.

And to Fiona and Jamie, our new CoEditors for next year, I wish you guys the best of luck. I know there are loads of great things still yet to come to Concrete, and that next year will be full of many more incredible articles and memories.

So I guess even after all my sarcastic jokes, the rumour was true – UEA, you really are Home of the Wonderful.

Image: Concrete/Innes Henry