LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEAR READER,

About 10 weeks ago, I asked 19 writers and 10 editors a big question: who are we and how did we get here? This issue is, in a way, a collection of their responses, brought to life through photography, illustration and design.

I read stories of identities found, hardships overcome and lessons learned. From life-changing moments in time to the mundane day-to-day, there’s a lot to think about when you really sit down and consider two decades’ worth of life.

Some wrote about family, culture and history — after all, we are a reflection of those who came before us. By reflecting on the world around us, we challenge ourselves to recognize where we fit into the bigger picture.

Taken as a whole, these pieces tell the story of our collective experience, reminding me that we are not so different after all. Over the past quarter, I’ve learned more about this staff than I ever expected, and not just through their writing.

Students are no strangers to reflection assignments. I’ll be the first to admit that my answers to “What did you learn from this assignment” discussion boards generally follow the same professor-approved script.

This quarter, I asked writers to step out of their comfort zone and write for themselves, not for an easy A. Reflection should be hard — it forces us to be present, take account of our surroundings and sit with those thoughts we’d rather ignore.

I suppose I owe it to the Klipsun staff to answer my own question now. So, who am I and how did I get here? Not so long ago, I was a nosy only child who spent her time watching the world around her. I was shy then, but I’ve always been opinionated and, some may say, critical.

Before the deadlines and distractions of adulthood, I spent my time filling my first diaries with the latest news from my classroom, neighborhood and imaginary worlds. Looking back, it’s no surprise I found my way to journalism.

Today, in this newsroom, I’m Klipsun’s editor-in-chief. These walls are lined with past issues, each a reflection of their respective staff, and, as my time here comes to an end, I’m proud to join their legacy.

I’ve seen firsthand the care, passion and creativity behind every detail of this magazine, and I hope you too can see it in these pages.

But before you dig in, I invite you to pause, take a step back, and reflect.