In many cultures and religious followings, December is a time to celebrate humanity’s creation of light as the natural daylight decreases (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). It is also a time of new beginnings: the Catholic tradition began its new year last weekend, the new calendar year begins Jan. 1, and Chinese New Year will come in February. Here at Simmons, December marks the end of a semester and January begins the new term.
These concepts of celebration and reflection fall together in what seems to be a most convenient way. Looking back on 2014, there has been, and still is, much hardship and distress in the world. This year has held the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 and escalating tensions in Crimea, Palestine, Hong Kong, Ferguson Mo., and elsewhere. Here at Simmons, we have added our voices to these struggles as well as the ones facing our community: the loss of favorite staff, dining hall changes, policy changes. It has been a year of tumult.
As we reflect on the past year, we also look forward to the future. The year 2015 will not be without challenges, but it also will not be without hope. Humanity’s ability to create light is critical to that. Certainly, we can create light in the physical sense, but we also have the ability to create light in the metaphorical sense. We can build, improve, create, and change the world. As we remember where we are coming from we can shape where we are going.
With that, we should celebrate what we have already accomplished. If you are a first-year student, congratulations, you’ve survived your first year of college. If you are a student leader, congratulations on another round of discussions, events, and clubs well-run and engaging. Congratulations to all the As on papers, projects, and labs.
My time at Simmons is drawing to a close. I have four days of class until I’ve completed my degree. Reflecting on my time at Simmons, I wracked my brain for something insightful to share. But you already know it: Simmons may not be the perfect college, but it was perfect for me and likely perfect for you. Simmons, particularly the students and professors here, have shaped who I am. I could not be more grateful.
With that said, I am pleased to announce that Communications senior Eva Weber, will be the new Editor-in-Chief of the Simmons Voice come January. Joining her as Managing Editor is Jessie Kuenzel. With their leadership comes a new chance to celebrate and bring light to more issues here and around the world.
As the days of the semester draw to a close, I wish you the best of luck on your finals and whatever else it is that you are wrapping up with the end of the year. I hope you have the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate 2014 and I hope you continue to bring light into 2015.
Sincerely,
Sarah Kinney
Editor-in-Chief
