It would be very easy to come to these editorials each month and fain some sort of optimism, a kind of glossy veneer that can fit neatly into this little corner of the paper, tidy and expected. Most of the time, that positivity very much reflects my attitude, after all, I’m the type of person who is quite determined to be happy despite everything. Still, I’ve been thinking and I’m starting to realise that it’s actually ok when things are less than perfect and (despite what social media may encourage us to think) it’s a good idea to talk about it. 

Truth is, being an EiC for Concrete is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I mean physically and mentally- it’s exhausting. There’s a lot that gets sacrificed in the process as well- time with family and friends, on your degree, your summer holiday… It all makes it very difficult not to feel as if you’re letting down at least one social group in your life at all times. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that stress was part of the position when I applied, but I’m not sure if I could have ever really understood how emotionally invested in it all I would become. Still, I know that in regards to student leadership and all the many other responsibilities students partake in, I’m certainly not alone in feeling this way. 

As always, it has been the brilliance of our editorial team that reminds me time and time again why I fell in love with this paper in the first place and what it’s added to my life over the past 15 months. At the end of the day, how could I not feel incredibly honoured to witness, not simply the unpacking of the final product, but the amount of work that goes into it.  

This is evident in every issue, but I must say that I’ve been particularly impressed by this November. The energy that Jamie, Anna, Emily, Mar and Milla have put into the investigation into the SU is pretty inspiring, especially when you realise what a useful insight it may be for future students. In regards to the information collected, I think that the results speak for themselves! 

I’m also incredibly excited about Venue this month, with Lily, Sankavi and the team doing an amazing job! There are also so many really interesting articles to get into, with ‘Remembering the Weaponisation of Art’ by Valentina Vinciarelli in Art and ‘The World in Words: Han Kang and the Importance of Translated Literature’ by Polly Dye being two really insightful takes.  

Ultimately, I feel that this issue has been a bit of a saviour in regard to getting my feet back on the ground! It makes it feel even more strange that Jamie and I are exactly halfway through our tenure and that this means we’ve only learnt half as much as we will do by the end (wow that’s a little bit overwhelming!). I suppose if I had to pick one key thing that I’ve learnt this autumn it would be the importance of taking time out. Regardless of what your responsibilities are, I think it’s something a lot of students find difficult. So I’ll leave you with a book recommendation (Lost in the Garden by Adam S. Leslie), a TV recommendation (Sex and the City- for a little escapism!) and the total absorption of any guilt you might feel in spending a cosy afternoon doing nothing but yapping to your housemates. Happy November- we’ve got this  x 

Fiona Hill (she/her)

Co-Editor-in-Chief

@fionaconcrete_uea