Editor's Letter

EDITOR’SLetter

My time has come to say goodbye.

Ouch. That stirs up sadness, but it also feels like I can simply add it to the list of things that have come to an end thus far. The Matrics have been saying a lot of goodbyes — it’s almost a routine now. Goodbye Last First Day of School, goodbye last orals (yes!), goodbye athletics, goodbye Mrs Olivier and Mr van Niekerk – what?! Yes, an unexpected goodbye to them too.

It is sad saying goodbye, knowing that you’re leaving something valuable behind. On the other hand, what lies ahead, could be something better (or equally amazing…let’s not offend anyone). Time moves with or without you, so many goodbyes are purely inevitable. You are kind of forced to embrace ‘em through the difficulty.

What makes it special, is having something that’s hard to say goodbye too. As a young grade 8, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I sent in my application article for the Circum. I wanted to start something new and see where it took me. It all happened so fast after that. In grade 9, I’d been asked to be sub-editor. WHAT? (my internal reaction) On the outside, I was just smiling. With shocked excitement, I answered, “Yes!” without really thinking about it. I had no idea what becoming sub -editor entailed and was it nerve-racking! My first task was to inquire about printing prices for magazines all over Worcester or Cape Town. I was still very introverted and shy, so that was very scary.

I had also internalised pressures that every aspect of my life had to become more organised all of a sudden because I was in the

running for future Circum Editor. I thought I could never make a typo or grammar mistake at school because people would think I was not worthy of the title. I was honestly not having the best time until I actually listened to my repetitive thoughts. Literally no one actually told me I should be perfect. I was still Emily, still a friend, still a learner, still a normal, imperfect human. Upon realising that, the rollercoaster ride started (in a good way). I relaxed and thoroughly started enjoying being part of this amazing team. Our brainstorm sessions were seriously so much fun. This team of journalists have really been the best in terms of enthusiasm and creativity. This is what makes saying goodbye hard.

Hierdie kwartaal was ’n warrelwind, maar ek dink elke kwartaal is maar net sy eie, unieke warrelwind. Die spoed word net vinniger en die take meer, maar dan word die tyd vir ontspanning en die tyd met mense net soveel meer waardevol.

Met die verloop van tyd kom die verandering van seisoene en ons is tans in die middel van ’n koue winter. Gaan haal ’n kombers, maak ’n koppie koffie en geniet ons artikels van kwartaal twee. Ons het ook heerlike resepte voorsien vir ’n gemaklike piekniek in die huis!

Simone Botha will be taking the reigns from me with a brand new crop of photographers and journalists. Simone, I wish you all the best with the Circum. Thank you for your willingness to help and crazy-amazing ideas! I have no doubt you’ll enjoy the experience!

Thank you, Mr van Niekerk, for every bit of extra effort you’ve put into the Circum, your enthusiasm and willingness to help us all with our technological issues (we don’t know how you still have patience left, but we appreciate it!) All the best with your new chapter. You will surely be missed! Mrs Bergenthuin will be taking the reigns from him.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your holiday, dear readers. I won’t catch you on the flipside this time round.

My final words as Circum Editor remain:

Goodbye.