Talk to Strangers!

Editorial - Issue 9

By Claire Watson (Features Editor)

Hey guys! I’m glad to see that everyone is surviving this second semester. We’re in it now, and we should all be proud of ourselves for making it this far. Being a final year student I’ve been finding it hard to keep it together, all while making the most of my final months here at UCC. 

It’s never too late to get involved with societies, and there’s so many events happening every day. They’re a great way to detach yourself from the constant pressure college throws at you, all while being involved in student life. 

In this issue I had the lovely opportunity to interview Max Bell and Alison O’Mahony of UCC TV, and the Irish artist Amy Louise O’Callaghan. Interviews are such a rewarding experience, and I am delighted every time I get to meet someone new and hear their stories. Everyone has beautiful and vibrant experiences, and I just love bringing these stories together. I’ve struggled with social anxiety for many years, but this job has taught me the magic of reaching out and connecting with people. 

This is also the beauty of societies. There’s always that moment at an event, where you’re sitting next to a stranger and it’s completely nerve-wracking trying to talk to them. So, you start small-talking; asking about each other’s degrees and where you’re from and all the basic questions. Slowly you start building stories of each other, and listening to each other’s experiences, you unlock a new part of the world. Campus becomes that bit smaller, as you become that bit closer to your peers. 

Anyway, enough sappiness. Get your assignments done, your readings sorted, and then get yourself a nice cup of tea and wind down with this issue of the Express. Take care of yourself and happy reading!