Today, I’m writing my last ever column for Observant. That sentence feels heavier than I anticipated — more difficult to grasp, despite the fact that I’ve known about this moment for months. I told myself I would be prepared; that I would write the perfect final column. But I suppose endings have a way of sneaking up on you, no matter how much notice you’re given.
I remember applying for the role of a student columnist a little more than a year ago. Submitting my application, I felt physically nauseous; my hands were so jittery I barely managed to press “send”. About two weeks later, I stood outside the Observant office for a solid ten minutes, willing myself to ring the doorbell — and trying to keep my breakfast from making a reappearance. A fifteen-minute interview later, I had the job.
Working for Observant has been one of the most fulfilling times of my life. Beyond having a platform to write on, I was given the opportunity to find my voice. Somewhere along the way, writing columns stopped being an addition to my resume, and became a fundamental part of my routine. Saying goodbye feels nearly impossible.
But it’s not just Observant I’m bidding farewell to. I’m also leaving behind a city I’ve called home for the past three years.
When I first arrived in Maastricht, three years felt like an eternity. Now, I’m chasing each fleeting minute, trying to backtrack the inevitable flow of time. Just as I expected to end this column with absolute clarity, I assumed my time in Maastricht would wrap up neatly. I meticulously planned everything: moving boxes packed and labelled, a final walk through the city, goodbyes exchanged with time to spare.
Now, less than a week before I leave, my belongings are still scattered throughout the apartment. My goodbyes feel rushed, unfinished. And somehow, some of the people I’ve grown closest to have only just stepped into my life. It’s a cruel trick of time — mourning what could’ve been, not just what was.
I suppose not all chapters are meant to end with a full stop. Maybe for now, I’ll take a step back, appreciate all that I’ve experienced, and settle for a “see you around”.
Robin van Wasen, student at UCM