by Monim Wains

Hence, the future beckons, as it always does. With the last issue of this academic year, you move on, dear reader, turning a new page. But, I wonder, how big will the change be? Is the summer just a page break? Or a whole new chapter of life?

Although the university seems like an ancient, immovable monolith, it is always in an odd state of flux. Every year, a cohort of dazzled freshers arrives, and hooded figures with strange letters after their names graduate away. We experience a journey through Oxford unlike any other. This issue is another little signpost along that path.

For those of you who are freshers, I hope that by this time, you have found your place … somewhat. Don’t worry if it still doesn’t feel like it just yet. Keep looking, and you will find your people in time.

If you are in second year, and like me, then I would suggest taking it easy in the future! The university seems to be run by second years, and it is wise to slow down after that. But cherish the memories you have made, and the skills you have developed. It is unlikely that you will have such a wealth of opportunities again. Keep up with what you have found you deeply enjoy.

Otherwise, you are a finalist, or a postgraduate beyond. For you, I hope that this place is normal. Though not in the sense of being typical – nothing about Oxford is typical – but I hope that Oxford does not intimidate you anymore. There is a thick skin that we develop at some point, no? That is the … gift … of our ‘Oxford education’.

If you are one of our SCR readers, I can only wonder. How does the year feel for you?

In any case, I hope that among all of this change and reflection, The Poor Print has been some sort of constant. It has been wonderful to see the depth and breadth of what you send us. And the funniest thing has always been how no one is ever sure of themselves. Everyone I have met has thought their work wouldn’t fit, and it is always astounding when I see their submissions. The best part of the past four years has been the number of things that any single person can do. Please do share that!

I will miss you all when I leave.

But towards new horizons we must waddle, galloping on to endless waters in search of love over bowls of pasta. And certainly, you may be as full of fear as of excitement for the hereafter, but the river flows ever onward. Our best bet can only be to prepare for whatever may come our way.

So it is time for me to hand over the reins, with full faith in Jerric and Siddiq to take over the paper in the coming year, along with the rest of the team.

And also in you, to keep my college going. My college, as it will be yours. For as we travel along our lives, we own the legacies we leave behind. And entrust the new will build upon them.

All the best for your futures, and all the legacies you will design.