I’m writing this after a lovely sunny walk around campus…quite possibly for the last time as a student. With the hustle and bustle of summative season, I have not, until now, really processed the fact that I am in my last couple of weeks here at the Home of the Wonderful, after four amazing years.

Wandering around our beautiful campus, I recall many memories and events that have shaped and shifted this transformative chapter of my life. All have made me reflect on just how much life goes on within this small, concrete town.

More amusing highlights include going to the wrong Britten House afterparty during my Freshers’ Week (it took my mate and me a good half an hour to realise), riding a Beryl scooter for the first time and accidentally crashing into my mate’s ground-floor Ziggurat bedroom window at 3 am (R.I.P to the window…and the Zigs) and, perhaps most distinctly, being told  “You’re green outfits emmitt a radiance like no other, Jamie” on the gangway between the teaching wall and the library at the start of my second year by a somewhat eccentric philosophy student after an all night study sesh’.

Oh, and I guess I can’t not mention meeting my now fiancée, Libby, at the 2021 Concrete ‘Big Meet’ – that one stands out too, to be fair… despite my first ever words to her being “Ahh, are you the Northern one?!”. My written words evidently impressed her more. 

On a more sincere note, I have met some of the most wonderful, bright, inspiring and colourful people over the past four years – both as a student and through Concrete. Studying Politics and writing articles with students and staff from every corner of the country and indeed, the world, has opened my ears and eyes to so many new ideas, perspectives and knowledge. 

At Concrete, a particularly poignant experience came through connecting and interviewing a UEA alumnus, Alaa Shatila, who studied for a Master’s in Global Development on a Chevening Scholarship here in 2021/22. Hearing, first-hand, such a powerful and devastating human story and having the privilege of relaying it to others was an experience I will never forget. 

Concrete has taught me so much about people, how communities work (or don’t), local politics and the value of creative journalism (LDC students are just the best Concrete writers, I’m afraid…sorry, journo students). Most of all, I’ve learnt never to take anything about complex and conflicting issues at face value; there are always multiple perspectives and experiences of a story. Student journalism may not always reflect this perfectly – we are after all, students (i.e we’re learning). But, most importantly, it provides creative and intellectual platforms to and for as many students as possible to explore and share their experiences.

I hope you will find the above sentiments reflected in this, the final issue of Concrete for this academic year, which shines a particular focus on mental health – an important topic during summative season. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole Concrete team and membership this year – it’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege sharing this fantastic experience with you. 

I’d also like to extend my gratitude to wider influences and advisors, including previous Editors such as Matthew Stothard and Geri Scott, and all the other amazing volunteers at the Student Publication Association. Furthermore, thanks to several current and former individuals at the SU, including Adam Roche, Victoria Jackson, Jumara Stone, and the five full-time SU officers – Liv, Chris, Bhaskar, Rebekah and Nathan. You’ve been a great support while continuing to allow Concrete to operate independently and holding those in power to account, as all decent (even student) journalists must!

Fiona and I are passing Concrete into the highly capable and talented hands of Emily Pitt-Shaw, who I have no doubt will take Concrete to new levels of success over the coming 12 months. To Milli, Anna, Daisy, Robyn and Micah…have fun, work hard (but don’t burn yourself out!) and watch out for April Fool’s press releases on April 1st 2026. 

With that, I’ll sign off by saying…UEA, it’s been an absolute blast! Please continue being wonderful and ‘doing different’ for another 60 years!

Peace, love and rabbits…

Jamie 

Co-Editor-in-Chief 2024-25.