Letter from the Editor in Chief

Dear reader,

First and foremost, welcome to The Wake. This is our first issue of the fall semester, and we are so excited to begin this year with you all. 

This year marks 20 years of The Wake. Chris Ruen and James DeLong founded this magazine in the wake of 9/11 because they saw a need for a space where students could freely voice their thoughts and opinions. They were able to start something that now has become 20 years worth of print magazines, 20 years worth of art, and 20 years of student voices. The Wake has been able to thrive for this long because of each and every student that has ever written for us, created art for us, and has been a reader.

I remember the first time I attended a pitch meeting for The Wake my freshman year. It was fall 2020, so it was on Zoom. Despite the screens in-between all of us, it was immediately obvious to me that this student group was somewhere I belonged. I remember being in awe of everyone on the call. All the editors were so well spoken and passionate about their pitches, all the freelance writers who brought in their own ideas had such empathetic and nuanced stories. I had looked up The Wake’s website and socials beforehand, and I became absolutely obsessed with the artwork and creative direction that was curated. And beyond all the talent, the thing that drew me in the most was how immediately at home I felt. I felt so welcomed and genuinely appreciated just for being there. 

Meeting The Wake felt like meeting your first friend in kindergarten. First you’re a little nervous, but after 5 minutes you realize you’re having the time of your life with your new best friend that just a moment ago was a stranger. The Wake has been that safe space, that friend, for me ever since.

On top of being a shome, The Wake has challenged me to push past my perceptions of myself and strive to grow. I want to be a better writer so that every article that I create for our publication is one I’m proud of. I want to become a better editor so I can assist our freelance writers in polishing their pieces. I want to be a better person so I can be a good friend to our staff members.

The Wake is my people, and your people should energize you to be your best and go for what you want. It’s a big campus, but The Wake manages to remind me that I have a place in it.

With the new school year starting, I hope you find people and places that make you feel at home and help you grow into who you never knew you could be. And remember, you always have a seat at The Wake’s table. 

Earnestly and with love,

Srihita Raju

Editor-in-Chief