Notes from the editors

‘The Fifth Estate’ began on the premise of being unapologetically different from everything else, as a marketplace of ideas and thoughts that we found particularly interesting. It’s been more than a year since we published our first edition, created over spontaneous Skype calls and designing nightmares and burgeoning optimism. As an editor, and a firm believer in the power and craft of words, this publication offered me a chance to argue with pre-existing notions, explore my strengths and weaknesses, and face the world head-on. Today, we publish for the last time under this name. This is an ode to the ‘Five Estates’, or particularly the five things I love about developing and writing for newspaper.

 

1. All the writing I get (or am forced) to do:

 

Before high school, writing was something I did almost every single day. But with the onslaught of school and assignments and extra work, I forgot that writing was something that I enjoyed. The start of this newspaper was instrumental in solidifying a routine, and dusted off the cobwebs from an entrenched, long-forgotten habit. I also forayed into factual writing and reporting, and got to experience and dabble in several new styles and forms of writing. While impostor syndrome occasionally catches up with me, I’ve come to believe that (some) of my writing is worth being proud of. And then, that polished title of ‘editor’ does work some magic on your self-esteem.

​

2. The people I’ve come to know:

​

Devansh (the other editor) and I went to the same school, got on the same bus and never ended up talking to each other. We started talking after we attended a writing workshop, which then transformed into ‘The Fifth Estate’. Besides him, I’ve met several amazing and exceedingly talented writers, who have submitted articles that leave me visibly and rightfully stunned. If I’m being very honest, I couldn’t imagine having a better, more supportive team, especially Devansh, who provides the calmer and rational approach to my spontaneous creative outbursts (and vice versa). While I’m not a big fan of the phrase ‘thick as thieves’, I would gladly commit arson with him. 

 

3. The creative liberties I can take:

​

The best thing about being an editor here is that I have full creative control over what goes into the newspaper. As someone who was far too shy to voice her concerns, or ever imagine herself in a leadership position, I gradually transitioned into a far more confident and assertive person. Getting to pick the month’s website colour or design posts and edit articles might seem like a cumbersome task, but I’ll admit I secretly enjoy it. Getting to bask in the glory of a new edition fills me with a pride and joy I rarely come across. 

 

4. A sense of grounding and establishment:

​

Writing for ‘The Fifth Estate’ helped me understand that I want to do something like this for the rest of my life. During a period of immense self-doubt and pessimism about the future, I finally found something that helped define who I was, as well as who I wanted to be. I felt like I had something to do that was an equal balance of work and fun. Granted, a lot of it is gruelling, but it’s only a small price to pay.

 

5. Optimism for the future:

 

Every single day I think about what the future holds for me and ‘The Fifth Estate’. While I can dream that one day, this will be as big and renowned as a Times publication, it feels like we’ve achieved something of that calibre already. I’ve perused through several other student-led websites that express, inform and convey in ways that I find extraordinary. This leads me to believe that the future of media is bright; the reporters, journalists and writers of tomorrow have found their voice, and are working on amplifying it to the world. I’ve had the pleasure of writing for a few, and I am more than certain that the people I’ve worked with are capable of bringing about tremendous and revolutionary change. I have hope for the future, and that one day, people will hold newspapers and magazines, in rain or shine, with the words of today’s youth echoing and rippling through the world’s ears.

 

This is my goodbye to ‘The Fifth Estate’. I have treasured this experience, and it has been my honor to have been an editor here. To every end, there is a beginning; and when the gates to these Estates close, we’ll build something new.