As STM celebrates its remarkable 21st birthday, columnist Nat Locke is taking a nostalgic look back at her own 16-year journey contributing to the publication. The veteran writer invites readers to join her on a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the most memorable moments from her long-standing column.
Unexpected Encounters and Bizarre Correspondence
One of the most surprising revelations came when Locke discovered an English teacher at an exclusive private school had assigned students to write columns mimicking her distinctive style. The year nine students were tasked with abandoning grammatical conventions and waxing lyrical about how much better things were in their day - despite their relatively young ages. Locke found the assignment particularly amusing since it was framed as persuasive writing, given she doubts she's ever persuaded anyone through her writing.
The columnist has enjoyed numerous heartwarming interactions with readers over the years. One memorable encounter occurred on a crowded train returning from Optus Stadium, when a woman leaned over as the doors opened and whispered "I love your column" before disappearing into the night. Locke also notes that younger colleagues frequently mention how much their mothers enjoy her work, gently reminding her of her seasoned status in the industry.
Her mailbag has contained both delightful and disturbing correspondence. One thoughtful reader sent a handwritten note on floral stationery along with a cheque for a charity Locke had written about - though the columnist chose to donate directly rather than cashing the cheque. More concerning was a series of rambling letters from a man who wrote in the early hours of the morning, eventually escalating to include a shirtless photograph reminiscent of Vladimir Putin and vaguely threatening language. The situation required intervention from her workplace, who contacted the man directly since he conveniently included his phone number on every letter.
Career Highlights and Social Impact
Among her proudest achievements was a column written during the marriage equality plebiscite, which gained additional publication on eastern states websites. While Locke humorously notes she hasn't received any wedding invitations from the LGBTQ+ community despite her support, she remains hopeful about eventually attending a celebration.
Parenting has provided fertile ground for column material, with Locke acknowledging her child-free status ironically positions her as an expert. Her opinions about other people's children have softened slightly over the years, though she maintains particular frustration about unsupervised children in cafes. This stance solidified after one child crashed into her while she was carrying coffee, with the supervising father failing to offer a replacement drink.
Travel Tales and Career Reflections
International travels have consistently inspired Locke's writing, from exploring Bhutan's renowned happiness to experiencing the sheer luxury of a surprise first-class upgrade on a flight from New York to Dubai. The columnist admits she felt undeserving and too intimidated to touch anything in the premium cabin, though the experience ultimately yielded compelling content.
Reflecting on her 16-year tenure, Locke expresses deep gratitude for the privilege of writing her column and appreciation for the readers who have supported her work through whispered compliments and continued engagement. She hopes to continue her writing journey for years to come, while politely requesting that everyone forget about her brief attempt at "modelling" on the publication's cover.
