The time has finally come. The very last issue of the Icebox is upon us.

It has been three years since I launched my own series as part of the Wilkes newspaper. With now fifty articles, I have introduced all kinds of video games and ways to stay cool through my writing. I made this my personal mission.

There have been quite a few people who actually read my articles on a regular basis. I often received feedback from unexpected places. My initial thought was that nobody would lay their eyes upon the Icebox, but it turns out I have had a loyal readership since the beginning. Even if only one person tuned in each week, I would consider myself content. The fact that many of you eagerly await for a new issue of the Icebox is a pleasant surprise.

The primary mission of the Icebox is to discuss video games and occasionally the topics that interest me personally. However, I always put an emphasis on less popular media. I like to talk about non-mainstream things, because those are the ones produced with the most honesty. There is nothing like running into an Indie game with a passionate developer team and discovering that it is one of the best things you have ever played in your life.

Another mission of the Icebox is to develop the theme of “being cool.” To me, that is the concept of staying true to yourself, regardless of the circumstances. Even in the face of adversity, if you remain your own character, you are strong. 

Finally, the Icebox is a reflection of who I am. Many of you have read the Icebox and only know that it was written by “Freeze.” Well, who am I anyway? It is finally that time, where I reveal to you my identity. Although, it was never really a secret.

“Freeze” is actually short for “Master Freeze”, the identity that I use when competing in fighting games or posting media online. This name is derived from a character that I created myself back in elementary school. I used to write a lot of stories and draw comics. Master Freeze was one of the main characters in my fictional universe. One day, I decided to assume the identity of the character for real.

At Wilkes, I was a student named Zain Ansari. I majored in neuroscience and pre-medicine, with minor degrees in biology and psychology. My long-term goals are to become a neurologist and continue competing in video games every now and then. I also want to continue studying Japanese until I am native-level. I plan to travel the whole world and try all kinds of foods. I will continue to assume the identity of Master Freeze indefinitely. If I ever have children, I may consider passing down the title. That sounds a little silly, doesn’t it? However, names carry honor, especially when those who bear a name continue to bring it honor. It would be cool to have Master Freeze continue to live even when Zain Ansari does not, right?

During my time at Wilkes, what I enjoyed the most were the opportunities where I could carve my own path. As a student, I understand just as much as the next person about all of the different issues on campus. However, we should all be grateful that there are so many wonderful people and activities available to us. I was able to compete in my favorite video game, write weekly articles about the things I enjoy, get paid to attend certain lectures, study abroad in Japan and even get reimbursed for some personal purchases thanks to Wilkes University.

There’s not much else to say about the end of this journey. It was fun while it lasted. I hope that my loyal readers were able to get something out of it. I want to remind everyone that there is always room for your creativity. There is always room for your individuality. Do not let anyone ever take that away from you. As long as you are a good person, there is nothing to worry about. 

That is why I want to encourage everyone to be kind to one another. Support each other’s journeys. Try to learn about other people’s hobbies even if you don’t take interest in them yourself. Show each other that you care. Noticing someone’s passion and supporting it with words goes a long way.

Now, as I foreshadowed in the last few issues, I have an announcement about the Icebox. After all, this is the last issue of the Icebox…or is it?

I can’t make any promises, but I have a protege from the Wilkes Esports program who might be taking over the Icebox after I leave! He will be writing under his own alias, and his focus will shift a little depending on his own personal tastes. However, we are working together to ensure the essence of the Icebox still remains. Again, it’s not guaranteed yet but I may have found someone to continue the Icebox at Wilkes. 

The surprise does not stop there. Recently, I was reminiscing about all my creative work in the past. In my free time, I used to write a lot of stories, draw comics, and indulge in some digital art as well. I even have a YouTube channel where I used to post videos with animations and video games.

After graduating from Wilkes, I will have a year before I begin medical school. During this year, I hope that I will have much more time on my hands. I plan to launch a website where I can upload all of my creative work in one place. 

If this project goes well, then the Icebox will live! The Icebox that is written for the Beacon will be called “The Icebox at Wilkes” while the main volume of the Icebox, written by yours truly, will be posted on my website. I am really excited to get this project in motion so that I can display years of my creative work for the public to see!

For now, I have launched an Instagram page where I can post updates and occasionally share a drawing or short comic. If this website is completed, I will announce it there. Please drop a follow at “wrench.studios0_” if you are interested in seeing the future of the Icebox.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who reads my articles. Many of you offered helpful feedback or ideas for articles. Many of you simply took the time to tell me that you read my articles and enjoyed them. Regardless, I am glad to have people who read my work, even if I can’t meet them. I just want to make sure that you all know you are appreciated. Arigatou gozaimashita! (Thank you so much!)

This is Master Freeze signing off the Icebox at Wilkes for the last time. Always keep it cool, enjoy as many video games as possible and remember “We are Venom.”

“Maximum Optimization” – Master Freeze.