Endings and beginnings have been on our minds lately. Doors opening, others closing, you know the drill. And as our previous chief editor, Anceliga, has moved on to other ventures, it is time for the two of us to take the reins. We decided to ease into this new era by collaborating on our first chief editor’s note, so here are our greetings to you, dear readers!

Robi:

When Sara and I agreed to be chief editors for BTSB, I was initially very nervous. Not because I didn’t trust her or myself, but rather because there was already so much going on in my life. I was exhausted from a summer of volunteering and working, and I was about to start preparing for my bachelor’s thesis.

That nervousness has subsided for the most part, and life has since settled somewhat. I’ve spent the last six weeks reading novel after novel for my thesis seminar, and while that has been fun, I’m also really stumped for my thesis topic. I suppose that’s only natural at this point, but it feels like I’m treading on uncharted waters. Much like with being a chief editor. Well, not quite.

In both situations, I know what I need to do, what my schedule is and what is expected of me. So in that sense, the waters have been charted for me. I just don’t know how to sail yet. But that’s okay. I don’t need to know everything, especially since I’ve just started. There’s still so much time to try, fail, rethink and learn. And I’m not alone. If nothing else, I have Sara with me. We are in this together, even though we’re in different situations in life and our studies. Similar, but different.

Also, having been an editor for BTSB since my first year, and a webmaster for a significant portion of time, I’m very excited to see what Sara and I get to do as chief editors. It’s a new side to things, and we get to care for our dear magazine. My aim for this year is to make BTSB an even closer community, and to encourage new people to write and learn about the world. And, of course, to have fun while doing that!

Sara:

Wanting to become a co-chief editor for BTSB was a surprise even to myself. I did not even think about the possibility before I heard that Robi was interested in the job if he could get someone to do it with. I knew that I was going to be beginning the process of writing my master’s thesis in the fall so I did not feel like I would be able to handle the job entirely on my own. But after hearing that I would be sharing the job with Robi, whose work ethic and kindness I respect so much, I knew that we could handle it. And not just handle it. We would crush it.

As Robi mentioned, he is now writing his bachelor’s thesis which happens to be the same year as I am writing my master’s thesis. It has been 3 years since I began my bachelor’s thesis seminar and having friends who are now in the position I was in is delightful, nostalgic and everything in between. When I wrote my bachelor’s thesis, we were not able to go to the library or a coffee shop until our deadline was a week away. Even though the circumstances were certainly not the greatest, I really enjoyed writing my thesis. The act of researching, writing and working with your peers, albeit almost always remotely, gave me a sense of purpose and continuity. Even though the act of writing a thesis is very different from writing for BTSB, I believe that the aspects I mentioned apply to both. Even though I get stressed about my thesis topic, it is so healing to talk about your feelings with someone who is going through the same. Life is full of projects, be that in academia, work life or hobbies, where you learn more about yourself and others and you get glimpses of something that make you excited to continue working. Even though writing often takes place when you are alone, I believe that collaborating and talking about it with others, such as we do here at BTSB, is what gives you strength to continue. Even if we do not actively talk to others who are going through the same, even the idea of another person sitting at their desk is comforting.

As Robi said, I’m also looking forward to encouraging new writers to join us as well as write and have fun with our lovely BTSB family. It’s always amazing to find other people who are passionate about writing and since we all have our own interests, we can learn new things by reading and discussing our pieces.

For this issue, inspired by people real and fictional, we have Annika’s insightful tips for anyone beginning their cosplaying journeys, as well as Anceliga’s review of Michael Monroe’s documentary which is a delightful read for both superfans as well as those who are not as familiar with him. Sini wrote a lovely cozy piece about finding beauty in mundane things and Robi recounts the struggles of a writer in a lyrical way that only a writer could master. Sara’s poem considers what could lie behind one’s independent nature. We also have Noa’s atmospheric illustrated piece about what one could find in the darkness, while Emilia photographed the unusual things that one can find in Helsinki. And just in time for the spookiest day of the year, Audrey compiled a list of 13 books that will help you find your Halloween spirit.