This edition is not a SPILL edition of Honi Soit, nor is it one of mine. This edition is Khanh Tran’s. To put it simply, I would not be an editor for Honi Soit without them. For me (and many others), they were a mentor, a friend, and someone who lit up every room they walked into. Sometimes, even before they reached the door, I’d smile because I could hear them coming with the clip-clop of their iconic sandals. They were incredibly intelligent and an investigation master. After frequently asking silly questions like “what is a GIPA”, Khanh never showed an ounce of judgement. Instead, they had a sense of patience and teaching that I’ve truly never seen from anyone else. Khanh embodied everything I wish to be in this life. They were exceptionally kind, generous, courageous, and consistently had other people at the forefront of their minds. They were a true inspiration for activism on campus and beyond. Their passing is a true loss for anyone who knew them, or knew of them.
With this, I’m proud to dedicate this edition of Honi Soit to them. They were staunch in their politics, which is fitting for the theme of this edition, ‘Burn it All Down’. This edition is a compilation of people who are angry at the government, societal norms, and at the narratives created by mass media. I hope you enjoy reading, and I urge you to take a moment to remember Khanh Tran, one of USyd’s brightest lights.
In love and memory,
Ellie Robertson
To Khanh, from Charlotte
There aren’t enough words to describe the rarity of Khanh Tran, but as an Honi Soit editor, the very thing Khanh so passionately excelled at being, we will try.
Since I started at USyd two years ago, the iconic name, ‘Khanh Tran,’ has appeared in almost every Honi Soit, their investigative articles keeping Honi above the ranks of a measly student newspaper, and instead a reputable, fascinating source of journalism. Such is why I elected to be Khanh’s editor for the year, shooting my hand up as soon as their name was mentioned. I knew their work would be some of the most riveting pieces I’d ever get to read and to my luck, edit.
Khanh and I started texting a mere three weeks ago, and I’d say they were the most rewarding three weeks of my life. Khanh was and still is, the master of investigations. They were the strongest magnet, always the first to reel in every new piece of juicy goss. And while everything went to Khanh first, to their kindness, it then went to me.
Almost every day, I had the pleasure of receiving a message from them, informing me of the latest university scandal or offering a kind heads up about SMH offering free subscriptions for USyd students. I remember having an off day last week, but my spirits lifted after seeing a notification from Khanh excitedly telling me about an internship to apply for. I just remember thinking, how kind, to not only deem me as their editor, but a friend.
You will forever be missed. But we are comforted knowing that every time we step into the Honi office, your spirit warms the room, courses through our veins and guides us into continuing your legacy of damn authentic journalism. When we see a pigeon soar through the air, we’ll think of you, and whenever we open a newspaper we will remember you, for your legacy lives on in every heart you touched, every message you sent, and every article you wrote.
Khanh, I am at peace because I know that you have found eternal paradise with the Lord. In times like these, I remember Isaiah 41:10, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.’ I pray for your family and closest friends, that Christ may give them strength.
They say that sometimes people pass young because God needs more angels in Heaven, and Khanh, I know your wings are shining the brightest.
Love from Charlotte, your editor.
I miss your messages every day.
Khanh made our USyd community vibrant. They were incredibly dedicated, intelligent, and loved by all that crossed their path. It is an honour and a privilege to have known and worked with Khanh.
Khanh was woven into the social fabric of the university, of Honi Soit and the SRC, to the extent that their passing feels like something we took as a constant has been taken away. Just this week, Khanh had been working, with Charlotte Saker and Luke Mesterovic, on an article investigating the University’s investments into weapons companies. Their dedication to Honi, to mentorship and advocacy, knew no bounds. Khanh is someone who was so loved, so kind, and so important to so many — this is more than a loss. It is devastating to a community of students.
Vale Khanh Tran.
Purny Ahmed, Emilie Garcia-Dolnik, Mehnaaz Hossain, Annabel Li, Ellie Robertson, Imogen Sabey, Charlotte Saker, Lotte Weber, Will Winter
SPILL for Honi.
