Another year to continue growing and harvesting achievements. Another year to learn and embrace the gift of life.

I am grateful for all of life’s blessings, and for the extraordinary people and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

As I continue on my path, I look forward to all that lies ahead, as every experience—whether bitter or sweet—is what leads us to where we are meant to be.

Cheers to all that is to come!

Even the strongest tree falls after resisting many years of storms and windy days, but this is sometimes necessary for seeds to grow in its place, to bear stronger roots and a stronger trunk.

So is the journey of us humans. We rise, and when at the peak, we sometimes feel like we are falling. Whenever we do, it may seem like the end. However, there is a chance to grow in every situation we face, as joyful or painful as it may be.

Just like a tree, the key is to be rooted in fertile soil and surrounded by others who shelter and uplift us, like roots intertwined beneath the ground, until our branches have reached the sky and dense foliage once more.

As the season comes and goes, so do the leaves, flakes, and petals of them all, each with the promise of something much more beautiful. In the end, that is time’s way of shaping us all. As one with this earth, we each experience different sunsets and twilight, just to become something much greater.

As we celebrate Winter Graduation, I warmly congratulate the postgraduate Class of 2023/2024 from the School of Global Studies of the University of Sussex.

This academic year has been an extraordinary journey of learning, enriched by the diversity and cultural vibrancy of Sussex, which has broadened our perspectives on the world.

It has been a privilege to represent the International Relations class and department as a Student Rep and to contribute to the Global Studies Student Experience Group (SSEG). Working to ensure students’ voices were heard and their needs addressed has been deeply rewarding.

Wishing everyone a future filled with growth and success. 

Shayron Tower 

IR Student Rep 

Class of 2023/2024

Happy New Year to everyone! May 2025 bring you renewed strength and steadfast determination to pursue your goals and fulfil your most heartfelt aspirations.

My favourite songs of 2024. 

1. Almost (Sweet Music) – Hozier
2. Arcade – Duncan Laurence
3. Be Kind – Zak Abel
4. Catch 22 – Alli, Anne-Marie
5. Clouds – JVKE
6. Cloudy Day – Tones and I
7. Esta Vida – Marshmello ft. Farruko
8. Fairytale – Livingston
9. Kleur – Snelle
10. La Vida la Vida – Joséan Log
11. Lullaby – Rilan
12. Mi Amor – Sam Feldt, JVKE, Annits
13. Mona Lisa – Dominic Fike
14. Praise Jah in the Moonlight – YG Markey
15. Pretty Slowly – Benson Boone
16. Too Sweet – Hozier
17. What Love Is – Zimmer90
18. What Would I Change It To – Avicii
19. Whisper – Myles Smith
20. Why Why Why – Shawn Mendes

A few days ago, I was reading the holiday messages I’ve written over the past eight years, and it made me realise how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and how much the world has changed around me.

2024 is no exception. It has felt like a novel—a year full of emotions, with its highs and lows. A year of memorable moments, special people, and meaningful achievements, but also of tough lessons. Through it all, the sunny days have taught me to cherish the present, and the cloudy ones have helped me find strength in the good within and around me.

This year, as with the good moments, there were people who made the tough days easier and the good days even better. I’m grateful to those who have reminded me how lucky I am for my life and for the people—like them—who are part of it.

There’s so much I will carry with me and be thankful for in 2024 because every experience, whether sweet or bitter, shapes us. And as we grow, we eventually find our way to where we need to be.

As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, I wish everyone happiness within themselves and in the simplicity of life. May you find your path and discover peace in your surroundings.

Happy holidays to everyone!