Dear Readers,

In preparation to write this last editor’s note of mine, I read through past post- goodbyes from so many people important to this magazine—some warm, hazy names from before I arrived, others the people who make post- post- for me. I’m struck with the feeling I always get nearing a graduation, or the end of a friend’s trip, or the final bite at a family gathering: how unfair it is that beautiful things must come to an end. Why can’t we make one more Top 10 that has 35 entries, most of which will inevitably be biblical and chronically online and illegible, some of which will be near impossible to cut? Why can’t we have more Scandinavian Swimmers (the sour ones!), and articles that make me tear up, and copyediting debates about numbers? Why not one more crossword? But perhaps the beauty of being a part of something like post- is knowing all of this goes on. post- is the people who show up to prod, the writers and illustrators, our wonderful readers. I will miss being in the thick of it, but more so I am feeling so lucky and grateful that, even if just for a while, I was in that magic, enveloped by it, sharing it with good friends, knowing that many more will find it too.

Our lovely writers of the last issue of post- this semester are also contemplating goodbyes and the changes that come with them. In A&C, Eleanor interviews women at Brown on age-gap relationships and perhaps leaving behind our preconceived notions, while Jack catalogues the changes in radicalism in both himself and the characters of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked books. In Feature, Sasha traces her journey with a narcolepsy-like disorder and how she’s changed in making decisions. As a senior, Grace gives advice to first-years that she wishes she knew then in a Lifestyle guide. Our Narrative writer Christina moves through different lives of her own and the Fauconniers (both Cubist artist and writer), while the other, Vanessa, describes what it’s like returning to musical theater after an interlude. In post-pourri, Ina shares some “secret menu” dining hall items you should try out before you leave this semester. Finally, don’t miss Lily’s full crossword (bonus points if you avoid getting into a state of confusion…)!

I have spent almost every Wednesday (formerly Thursday) night of my college experience at 88 Benevolent St., and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For how else would I have met Joe (who believed in me more than myself), and Tabitha, Klara, Kathy, Elijah, Susanne (who kept me grounded but light with joy), and this semester’s prod team, especially AJ, Elaina, Jessica, Daniella, Gabi, Michelle, Indigo (who make me believe the best years of post- are to come). I am indebted to a long post- lineage. What a special feeling, to be a part of something that makes saying goodbye so difficult. I must keep this brief at risk of crying, but I am just marveling at finding family and communion. How unfair it must come to an end, but then again, how beautiful that it goes on? 

Crying & missing & loving,
Emilie Guan
Editor-in-Chief