Reflecting on our time with The Boar (II)

In our second and final edition, some of our outgoing Editors (and Social Secretary!) share their experiences of working with The Boar and ultimately, what the paper has meant to them.

With this being our final edition of these testimonials, I think it’s long overdue to give both a huge congratulations and thanks to all of our outgoing members of the exec from this year. Whether it be joining the senior team, graduating, or simply moving onto new things, every single person who has been part of the team this year has done a fantastic job at not just maintaining the high standards of the paper, but propelling it even further forward. Without your amazing work behind the scenes, from writers’ meetings to scheduling articles to distribution to organising the tour, the paper and the society wouldn’t be anywhere near as brilliant or enjoyable. I think I speak on behalf of all the new Editors in saying that we have exceptionally large shoes to fill (two of the finest in my case), and hope we can continue to raise the bar even higher next year.

Zaki Nathani (Comment Editor)

And just like that, my time as Comment Editor comes to an end. Whilst I don’t want to ramble on about how I’ve experienced a journalistic journey of self-discovery, I thought I’d take this opportunity to thank a few people who have made the past year as enjoyable as it was.

I’d like to say how proud I am to have played a part in providing Warwick students a platform to share their opinions on issues important to them

First, my Co-Editor Alex has been nothing short of excellent. From staying in the office together at unsavoury hours completing layup, to dressing up as bananas for Pop!, my experience on the exec would not have been the same without Alex’s milk-fuelled antics. I’d also like to give a shoutout to the Deputy Comment Editors – Ed, Liam and Arabella – for making my job so much easier, whether this was through finding pitches for writers’ meetings, or editing articles on Sunday evenings at such short notice.

Finally, I’d like to say how proud I am to have played a part in providing Warwick students a platform to share their opinions on issues important to them. Freedom of expression and diversity of thought are important, and whilst comment articles in The Boar will do little to change the world, they certainly encourage educated debate on campus at a time this couldn’t be more important.

Gurpreet Dhaliwal (Features Editor)

When I went along to The Boar’s welcome talk in my first week as a Fresher, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. And I definitely had no idea just how much of my university life would go on to be centred around this society. I came in seeking a platform to write and what I found was a family and some of the most driven and inspiring people I have ever met, who I’m proud to call some of my closest friends.

One of those people is now my incredibly dedicated and forever-optimistic Co-Editor, John.

But as sad as I am to end my time editing Features, I’m much more excited to see how it evolves in the future

By taking a look at the bigger picture, the topics our writers have tackled this year have been riveting reads; from Arisa Loomba’s outstanding piece the need to diversify school curriculums with more BAME role models to Tom Westgarth’s first-hand account of students striking in Catalonia. Reading the hard-hitting, investigative and, at times, emotional pieces crafted by our writers could not make me more proud to be part of Features. It’s something I will dearly miss. But as sad as I am to end my time editing Features, I’m much more excited to see how it evolves in the future: where it will go next, the new stories that will be uncovered and the new voices that will be heard.

John Abiona (Features Editor)

I first read The Boar in March 2017 after visiting the University for an offer holder day. Two years later, I’ve laid up for the final time. What a journey it’s been!

I joined the society in first-year as an eager aspiring journalist. Little did I know that The Boar would come to mean so much more to me than just the journalism. It is a family of talented editors and writers who go above and beyond to produce exceptional content.

I’m so grateful for The Boar and the way it’s completely shaped my university experience

It has been an absolute privilege being a Deputy and Co-Editor of Features. I’ve had the pleasure to work with so many charismatic people. The variety and quality of articles published made all the hours spent on WordPress and InDesign worth it.

A special shout out to Dan and Branca for allowing me to develop such valuable skills. And a massive thank you to Gurpreet, as your passion and creativity has inspired me beyond words. Don’t forget: “We love The Boar!”

I’m so grateful for The Boar and the way it’s completely shaped my university experience. I’ve learnt that with determination, a relentless desire to get stories heard, and a dedicated team, you can create a conversation on campus.

Sam Savelli (TV Editor)

I never thought I’d get a chance to be a Boar Editor. I first got involved with the society in my second year and, since I was to spend a term of final year away from campus in Venice, I thought I’d missed my chance. Thankfully, I managed to find Gezy who was also interested in the role of TV editor, and we were able to run together and become part of the exec. But, as if finding myself in this role with no previous exec experience wasn’t daunting enough, we also had the task of filling the shoes of one of the Boar’s most legendary contributors, Reece “300 articles” Goodall.

I will definitely look back in pride at everything that we’ve produced this year

Nonetheless, I think we’ve done a good job, and I can only feel glad that I made that decision to run. Considering we’re one of the smaller sections and we’re a duo, it’s still been a lot of work. On virtually every day for the last year (whether in Venice or the UK), I’ve had to give the Boar a thought, to make sure articles keep coming in and the section keeps running. And so, I will definitely look back in pride at everything that we’ve produced this year.

Steph Campbell (Social Secretary)

Many of our readers might not know me – my name does crop up occasionally in the paper! But I am The Boar’s Social Secretary and Tour Coordinator. While I am not an editor of the paper, I am an editor of attitudes. You think you’re not coming to The Boar Circle? Think again, my friend. It’s time to edit that attitude. Albeit a cheesy line, my time at The Boar has undoubtedly made my third year my most enjoyable at Warwick.

It cannot be said how fantastic joining The Boar has been for me

While organising our tour to Boarcelona has been a stress at times, it cannot possibly outweigh the highlights of my position on the exec. These have included organising countless trips to Spoons on a Friday night, dragging our exec to go see Johnny English Reborn, and administering several “Paper Pints” (in which an issue of our lovely paper is rolled to form a funnel, down which copious amounts of purple is poured into the victim’s mouth. The latest victim was Ben Newsham, our new SU President.) It cannot be said how fantastic joining The Boar has been for me. The exec is full of some of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and I honestly can’t wait to see what they all do next.