Letter from the Copy Editor

Dear unknown and ethereal reader,

Let it be known that this semester has been a ride for me in more ways than one. I think after this upcoming round of fi nals, I may deserve a title of saint, witch, or mythological creature that’s climbed out of the deepest corner of the earth in search of revenge or a hug—I accept all titles, as I’m sure that they’d be accurate. If I am a legend, then my Google Calendar is the weapon I use to incite fear and horror in anyone who dares to gaze upon it. The color coordination distracts the viewer from the time-consuming life of someone who, perhaps, bites o more than they can chew. But despite this constant state of stress and business, here I am at the Wake, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

This magazine was one of the first places I felt truly seen at the University. As an ickle first year, my new friend had (barely) convinced me to attend a pitch meeting as a freelance writer. Although I was not a shy person, the thought of sharing my writing with anyone other than my closest companions was a bit daunting. But the people there were so incredibly welcoming, both staff and freelancers; the editorial team gave the constructive feedback I craved as a writer, and I appreciated the opportunity to write on a normal basis—something that I couldn’t always fi nd the time to do in the hectic nature of the first semester in college.

Now in my second year at the UofM, as the copy editor rather than a writer, I am even more grateful for both the Wake and the writers who create for us. I get the gift of reading each and every piece we publish through every stage of editing, and it’s apparent how much love and care our writers pour into their work. All of these writers take time out of their busy schedules to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences with the UMN community, and—I’m sure my fellow staff members would agree—it is an absolute pleasure to help make his avenue a reality.

I think we college students take for granted the comfort of structure. Of course, the freedom to stay out till the sun comes up, roaming the streets with our best friends in search of our next formative memory—this is part of the “college experience” many of us chase. But even more than this, I’ve found that my most memorable experiences have been in the everyday grind: The friends I make in my color-coded meetings, the conversations in the in-between, and the way I can count on these things day in and day out will forever be more crucial than those fleeting moments. Call me sappy, but the Wake has been a rock for me, no matter how overwhelming my life has been—a collection of people I can call home.

Keep close those you hold dear close, lovely readers. Cherish the time you spend with them and the dreaded in-betweens. Make space for your creative outlets. Your future self will thank you. And for the love of God, block out your lunch hour on your Google Calendar.

Yours most ardently,

Abby Vela

Copy Editor