As the semester comes to an end, it is natural to start reflecting on past memories and milestones. In the midst of the busyness of life, it can be challenging to truly see how much we’ve grown and, vice versa, all the ways we can continue to grow in the moment. While it may not seem important, this act of reflection can be personally fulfilling. To follow our own advice, we (Aaron & Esther) want to reflect on our past year of being the Arts & Culture editors.
To be honest, starting Arts & Culture was scary. When we started the Arts & Culture section, we had little idea of where to go; we had a new section and bright ideas, but we also had zero writers. It was the spring semester, and many people weren’t aware of the new section, so building community around Arts & Culture became very important to us. We scraped by with a one-page section, which meant four articles a week (the minimum needed for an issue), but continued to persist because we were really passionate about the section. Little by little, the section grew.
We thought a lot about how we could make this section appeal to not only as many readers as possible but also writers. We remember the early talks with then-Editor-in-Chief Dora Kreitzer and then-Print Managing Editor Kelsey Werkheiser about what type of articles would go into the section. We were really intentional with not making this just another news section with art, but instead adding reviews, reflections, interviews and a wide variety of topics for people to relate with. Now, the section has grown into a community of passionate writers who continue to amaze us every week with their efforts. With over 30 writers and now a two-page section (six to seven articles per week!), not only seeing how writers have grown in their writing but seeing the section come to life has been amazing for us to witness.
Esther: In all of it, the power of language in combination with culture and arts has really stood out to me. In the midst of a world with endless despair, words are powerful. Not only does language give us, as humans, the ability to express how we feel, but also allows us to connect with and hear different voices. Through “The Bucknellian,” I got to continue a series I feel really passionate about: working with the Spanish department to publish student stories in Spanish in an effort to promote the diverse voices within languages and cultures. I really hope that it will extend to different languages as well in the future. As an editor, I’ve learned not only to write and read quickly, but I also get the chance to read about topics I’m not familiar with. For instance, seeing that Aaron loves the horror genre, I’ve learned more about authors like Stephen King through his book reviews. Genuinely, I’m so grateful to have done this with Aaron (the best group project partner in all of this) and proud of how far we’ve come.
Aaron: As a senior who will be graduating next spring, working on the Arts & Culture section has given me a space to write and think more carefully about things that I care about, which is a skill that I will take with me as I enter the “real world.” I’ll continue to ask not if this piece of art is good or bad but why I think it’s good or bad. Furthermore, seeing our writers reflect on their own experiences has made me more keenly aware of how diverse and beautiful the world is and that everyone comes from their own unique walk of life. I’ve gotten to learn about the Ukrainian orchestra, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short ’n’ Sweet” album and Hispanic culture all in one column—our Coffee Corner has also given me some great coffee recommendations! I’ve also gained a really good friend through Esther and several other friendships throughout the rest of the editorial board!
From us here at Arts & Culture, we are so grateful for everyone who has read and written for us this year. As the semester comes to an end, we urge you to reflect on all the ways you have grown and can grow!