Dear Readers,

I had a lot of ideas for my first editor’s note as editor-in-chief—New Year’s Eve plans gone wrong; awkward but wholesome family gatherings; all the airports I have come to hate. But, of course, none of that seems appropriate now. Although it has been nearly two months and a full winter break since our community had our comfort and safety shaken to its core, I still feel it everywhere on campus. I find myself lingering at the flowers in front of Barus and Holley and staring at PVD <3 Brown posters along Thayer. And I find myself thinking of resolve.

Every new year, we make resolutions. We resolve to change something about ourselves, our lives, the world around us. I feel that same sense of resolve around campus: a resolve to be closer, a resolve to make change, a resolve to do all we can to make sure these tragedies never happen again. It’s those feelings of community and hope that I try to carry with me right now.

Our writers have also been exploring resolve, community, change. AnnaLise examines the stereotypes around different female fitness groups in this week’s Feature article. For Narrative, Samaira questions the idea of change and Danielle reflects on a childhood moment of resolve. In A&C, Grace confronts the conflict between prestige and community in Animal Crossing and Sasha learns not to fear fiction. Finally, Ina catalogues the changes on campus in post-pourri and Lily treats us all to a winter-themed crossword.

The snow that wets our shoes and piles up on our sidewalks will melt in the coming months, and flowers will bloom in all colors. The world shows its resolve, just like we show ours.

I hope we can all keep each other warm out here in the cold.

Love,
Elaina Bayard
Editor-In-Chief