O-Week 2014 starts off today. The first one post graduation.

What better time to look back at what the UNSW PhotoClub meant to me while I was there?

Sometime in July/August 2009, I joined the PhotoClub. I was new at photography, new at UNSW, and very much in need of friends. But nothing much happened at that time with the club.

Everything changed, for me and for the PhotoClub, in semester 1, 2010 - and Nick, the president, was the catalyst for both. He created the ambitious weekly tutorial and outing schedule (which we all know and love now). He also asked me to volunteer at the club's O-week stall (which sparked my love of working as part of the executive committee).

From that moment on, uni life was very different for me. There were Photoclub events to help with, and to attend. I remember that I was so enthusiastic that semester (probably overly so), that I was present at every single event.

Over those years, the PhotoClub continued to grow, both in membership and in events. The club's first Photobook was published at the end of 2010, and the first PhotoDash occurred in 2011. There were model shoots, food shoots, and many awesome roadtrips. It was a lot of work, but definitely a lot of fun.

Much thanks must be given to Nick, Clarissa, Andrew, William, and Greg, the five presidents who I had the privilege to serve under, for leading the club so well all those years. Thanks also to all the other committee members whom I worked with, and who became my closest friends during my time at UNSW. Lastly, thanks to all the members that I got to know, especially those who endured my many coastal walk outings.

Joining the PhotoClub was the best decision of the four years that I spent at uni. I may have left UNSW, and even Australia, but the PhotoClub will always be part of me.

Till the next time I see you all,

Raylen