By Mirren Bodanis

Editor-in-Chief

My time at The Plant is done. My time at Dawson is over. To be honest, it’s deeply overwhelming.

Over the past few weeks, events have transpired in our city that have struck deep fear. We have seen unbelievably powerful, honourable, beautiful protests that have sent shocks through the island and yet still fail to prompt our academic institutions to divest from genocide. We have seen our communities that fight against the axes of power who profit and trade in genocide be brutalised into screaming pain by police officers, sent home in ambulances, hospitalised and gassed and struck and beaten in fascist acts of state violence, all in the name of “preserving peace.” I don’t feel at peace at all. The air is in a state of constant vibration, and there is a scratching, ripping rhythm to life that pulses stronger every day. And yet, this is not what makes my heart ache.

That is the endless love.

Dawson has transformed me. The person I came here as is long gone, buried deep as the vital foundation of who I leave this place as. I have met so many amazing people, felt anxious in so many ways, and learned. Learned and revered. My world has exploded since semester one and I have been beaten into a shape that can ride the shockwaves and (with varying success) mould them into music. So many amazing colleagues, so many beautiful friends, and although it’s scary to admit, many that have become like family to me. Thank you Dawson, for the endless love. And fuck the administration for staying silent and dismissive whilst we cry for rights.

The Plant.

What can I even say? Since joining this team, I have participated in the publication of two-hundred-thousand words of nonstop banger journalism, and not one of them can begin to describe the level of impact it’s made on me. I love you guys so much. I love you guys so much. I love you guys so much. You are like a family to me. You’re all so smart, and so pretty, and so funny, and every time I talk with any of you I feel so excited and happy. You all have taught me so much, continually made me question myself, taught me when to not question myself, and there is no greater blessing.

Now, Dear Readers:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you so much. The amount of support and encouragement, and most importantly engagement we’ve experienced over the last few semesters is incredible. You are all so lovely and fearless, always pushing us to do more. The truth is, the act of writing is meaningless. It is only when you permit our words to render in your brain that a movement can occur. The privilege you have allowed us, to weave a little into your neurons every release, is astounding. Having to leave it behind is terrifying; I will miss all of you, with whom I was able to share this beautiful ritual of making and moving. And of course, thank you Contributors, who have done so much to make The Plant fresh and a part of the school.

My eyes are wet.

Please stay strong. Please don’t be scared. For every scratch and rip, there’s a wonderful winter break full of cozy and chill. That’s a constant. There’s always something for you, even if it’s buried. And we can fight together to scratch and rip and build it out up from the earth. It will be as beautiful as the act of its creation. For every Dawson administrative act of oppression, there’s been an incredibly freeing English class where I’ve discovered a new part of myself. For every sob-inducing french assignment there’s been an exhilarating Dawson Film Fest. For every moment, there have been my amazing friends. Thank you Sanad. Thank you Winie. Thank you Saima. Thank you Maya, Elliot, Ron, Lorina, Julia, Charlotte, Emma, Juhaina, Tasnia, Jade, Thalia, Ciaran, Abigail, Tennesy, Afsha, Naiomi, Stef, Yassine, Towa, Saya & Sarah. We truly are the freak press.

For every endless pain, there is endless love. For every sob there is a cry, for every month, there is a Plant, and finally: for every hello, a goodbye.

i love you i love you i love you,

-Mirren