Confluence

Editor's Note

During my time studying English literature as an undergraduate, my professors emphasized that each piece of writing is a product of its time—a reaction to politics, art, and daily life, as well as a product of the writer’s mind—their knowledge, philosophies, style, and goals. The text also works within and in response to its form as well as its audience. In short, I was learning about intersections—those critical junctions in the arts, humanities, and social sciences where seemingly disparate paths cross and new meaning can be made.

As I reflected on answers to my interview questions for each story, it struck me that though this issue’s theme is “intersections,” choices and actions are equally important. In each article, the subject came to a crossroads and made a decision to do something instead of passively continuing forward. Reactions to these efforts in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences indicate those resolutions and deeds have already had, and will continue to have, valuable repercussions.

Whether those effects are paying forward knowledge, broadening awareness, lending a hand up, pooling resources, facilitating a discussion, affirming value, or fortifying relationships, the CAHSS community makes the most of opportunities to engage with and enhance the lives of those around them in novel and profound ways.

I hope the stories in this year’s issue of Confluence encourage you to discover new intersections in your life and participate in invigorating endeavors.