Beyond the Sunset

Oh, well. It appears to be our last issue.
It’s time for everyone’s favourite issue of the term— the last one! And by that, I don’t mean you enjoy the term ending (well, let’s be real that’s a big contribution), but you are dying to get your hands on this semester’s edition of The Tin Soldier! I won’t spoil any of the wonderful content that awaits you, but I’m certain that there’s something there that will pique your interest.
As for articles that we are featuring in The Iron Warrior, though, I am happy to tell you about. We have Devika talk about several of our modern-day technologies that were presented in one media of science fiction or another before they were invented. Chris writes about his time at the Waterloo Engineering Competition, while Donovan provides us a recap on the gripping Student-versus-Teacher hockey game. Finally, Gabrielle congratulates our own Chris Hadfield for being distinguished with the Order of Canada.
Our columns this issue hold similar treats— Donovan discusses the new Netflix hit, Jessica Jones, in From Page to Page, while Tina shares with us some Canadian indie artists to tie us over the holiday break in On Replay. Caitlin discusses some not so kid-friendly magical practices in Five Things You Really Don’t Want to Know, and Nina talks about talks in Paris at the UN Climate Change Conference in Leafy Thoughts.
Last issue, I know I amused some of my copy editors by the sudden change in tone of my editorial, in which I ranted furiously about competitive Super Smash Bros. Fear not, I’m not going to start ranting about it again, as much as I’d love to do so. I find it incredibly easy to write about things that I am passionate about, so that editorial pretty much wrote itself. It reminds me of again of how much motivation matters in getting work done.
It’s been a long haul, folks, not going to lie. Some of the most stressful and emotional few months of my life— for a plethora of reasons, primarily the combination of several different challenges compounding on each other, amplifying the difficulty of any one. With so many simultaneous stresses, it felt at times as though something had to give. But… surprisingly enough, here we are in December, intact and hopefully stronger for it! I can’t say I’m not somewhat relieved at the thought of the approaching holidays and finishing up with all the projects this term, but I also know that we’re not quite out of this term yet.
What I have learned this term, aside just how much even a decent amount of sleep can matter to your mental state, is the importance of interpersonal relationships in our lives. I definitely would not have been able to make it through this terms were it not from the support of numerous people in my life.
Some of these were physical gestures, assisting me in areas where I was struggling, such as giving me a crash course on a subject after falling behind in lectures, or even just getting me a meal when I had a hard time finding the time to eat. Some of them were more motivational gestures and emotional support, reminding me that even in the most difficult and trying times that I have people behind me in spirit, reminding me that I have people who believe in me and are counting on me to succeed. Tasks seem a lot more achievable when you remember that you aren’t alone in doing them.
In particular, I’d like to thank a few individuals who have been the most supportive in these last few months. First off are my roommates, my 3B Nano brethren, Josh, Alex, Daniel, Lucas, Kamyar, and Chris. While they may not always do their dishes timely (or at all) and sometimes can behave as though they are about half their age, they have been beyond sympathetic for me when I am tired and hungry, and have helped me stay afloat in our classes when I have fallen behind. There are definite benefits to rooming with your classmates, especially when they are as awesome as these guys. The greatest benefit of spending so many years with your classmates is just how much they become like family to you— the annoying actions and steadfast support included.
It, of course, goes without saying that my family has been supportive as well. Despite living reasonably close to home, I have not had the opportunity to spend as much time with them as I have in past terms, which I understand must be lonesome for parents at times. I look forwards to this holiday vacation with them to make up for the lost time!
Next are the members of the Iron Warrior who have given 110% for the paper in terms of creating content and helping with production. My assistant editors, Leah and Nina, have given more advice and insight than I could have dreamed of, despite both having incredibly busy schedules and stresses of their own.
Donovan has proven himself more than helpful as well, both in terms of his contributions and as acting circulation manager, which I personally know can be a rough job. Caitlin and Bryan also have participated in many a late production weekend, both of whom show incredible promise for being future EICs, should the opportunity present itself. A special shout out to Raeesa and Cameron, who despite being off-stream on co-op continued to assist in production and catch all of the mistakes in the paper before I send them off to the printer to immortalize the mistakes.
Big thank you to all the first years who came out to meetings and submitted articles this term. I hope all of you continue to help the Iron Warrior in future terms, as someone is going to have to replace us old folks when we graduate.
And, of course, thank you to everyone who contributed at all to the paper who are not presently staff members— we adore featuring content from the community, so remember next term to contact your friendly neighbourhood Iron Warrior if you’ve got something to share!
Finally, I have to give an extra-special thank you to my dearest Eric, who despite attending a separate University and having to struggle with the complications and challenges associated with a long-distance relationship, has been able to keep me motivated and focused with only his words and emotional support. I do not doubt that without his patience and thoughtfulness, I would have crumpled under the pressure of this term months ago. I can only hope that one day I can be as supportive for him in trying time as he has been for me this term.
A lot of talk recently in all forms of media has been about the importance of your mental health, and the importance of taking care of your mind and body as well as your responsibilites. It does my heart good to see such acts of support and kindness as I have this term, and I hope that each and every one of you can find individuals as loving and supportive as I have the pleasure of knowing and calling my own.
Fluffiness aside, I suppose I should address that closing up the paper doesn’t mean the end of work. Although this is my last paper as EIC, I definitely plan to help in future terms and hope to see many of the same contributors put forth great efforts in the Winter, where the wonderful Raessa will be taking the reins as Editor-in-Chief. I know she will do a fantastic job, and look forward to what the paper has to offer in the years to come, now that I can truly appreciate the effort that is put into it.
And with that, dear readers, I leave you with one of my favourite quotes from Kurt Vonnegut:
“I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.’”