Dear reader,

Is it possible that my classmates and I have fallen into a steady rhythm, or are we just too tired to acknowledge that everything is still in a general state of chaos? There are telltale signs that point to the latter, like the mugs piling up in the sink and the ever-changing news diary. Most of us have also breached the unspoken agreement that we won’t talk about looming projects. 

This is accompanied by constant warnings from industry professionals that the future of journalism is uncertain! And we won't make any money! And our jobs might be relinquished to robots in the near future! On top of this is the embarrassment of being kicked out of the Magistrates’ Court for wearing shorts (luckily only suffered by three people). 

My word of the week was going to be dompeltuig, the Afrikaans word for submersible. It’s fun to say and a great way to impress people at dinner parties (I’m guessing; I don't have time for dinner parties). However, Jared suggested “initiative” — how fitting! 

Initiative. 

The key ingredient to successful journalism, and to being liked by your peers. “Initiative” has also forced many of us to face our fears around speaking to strangers. I have come such a long way from having to mentally practice phone calls before even entering the numbers.

Initiative is similarly required outside of class - do grocery shopping BEFORE you have to resort to cereal for dinner. Do laundry BEFORE you have to rummage through your cupboard for deserted socks. Go to sleep BEFORE you begin rereading the same sentence and it makes less sense every time. 

On that note, SMF News has compiled our healthiest habits to mitigate the stress of Journalism Honours. As a testament to their efficacy, we share another round of fascinating articles produced by our sprightly, well-coping journalists.

Anke Spies, newsletter editor.

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