Dear Reader,
As the new year rolls around, we are surrounded by confetti, fireworks, and the endless cheers of “Happy New Year!” The prospect of a new year and starting over sounds simply delightful—and yet over-romanticized. I don’t know about you, but for me, there is often a quiet voice in the back of my head that whispers, “I really hope this new year is at least somewhat happy.” Changing the calendar year doesn’t change the fact that you felt really disappointed about how your semester went. Changing the calendar year doesn’t heal all the loneliness that seems to fester around this time of the year, and changing the calendar year certainly doesn’t transform you into the person you always hoped you’d be.
And yet, there is something so sacred about the start of a new year as people all around the world sit down and consider what they really value. The joy of a new year is not its magical ability to grant a new start, but in the deep work of returning to one’s purpose. Reflection is often not the most comfortable work, but it is certainly necessary work in living a life of intention. Personally, it is in slowing down and understanding what I truly value that I find the most peace and contentment.
The theme for this semester’s Synesis issue is Foundations: The Value Behind Our Visions. We intentionally wanted to focus on a theme that would both encourage reflection and embody depth as we celebrate 10 years of this organization. My hope is that as you take the time to read these pieces, you would understand deeply what Synesis stands for in its commitment to beauty, faith, and academic excellence. Each piece has been carefully written to reflect a particular value of Synesis and aims to present a compelling case of how that value presents itself in our lives. May these words encourage you to consider what you value and remind you that this reflection can be done with beauty and joy.
As I close off my final semester as Editor-in-Chief, there is no better way than to end by saying thank you! I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served Synesis as EIC these last two and a half years. Thank you to the many editor-in-chiefs, board members, and writers that have paved the way for this journal to grow and thrive. To this semester’s writers and editors, your gift of words and commitment to the values you wrote about resulted in true beauty! I cannot wait for our readers to get to enjoy your pieces and celebrate your work. Paige and Eric, thank you for your consistent guidance and support—I could not have led these last few years without you and I am so grateful for how you have encouraged and challenged me to grow. And finally, to my board, many of whom have walked this entire journey with me, thank you for your faithful work—I am continually amazed by and deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to this journal and the work that we do on this campus. Thank you for encouraging and supporting me, and for being people who pour their hearts into everything they do. Your work has helped this journal to flourish with beauty.
And finally to our readers, may this semester’s issue encourage your hearts as we step into a new year!
With deep gratitude,
Eowyn Oh
Editor in Chief,
Vanderbilt Synesis