Letter From the News Editor

“It’s some sort of invisible force field!”
“It’s glass, Fred.”

“It’s some sort of invisible force field,
made out of glass!”

I spent my first Saturday of summer freedom
watching cartoons with my Mom, and Scooby Doo
was the animation of choice. In this particular epi-
sode, the gang finds themselves in a pickle while
orbiting earth with a motley crew of characters.
The above dialogue isn’t comedic genius, but it is
hilarious and was exactly the kind of easy, straight
forward levity I was craving after a hurricane of a
semester.

I cannot say I remember much of the week-
ends leading up to finals. I recall floundering in a
semesters worth of q-cards and handwritten notes.
Reviewing topics from week one caused me to ques-
tion reality as I had no memory of these things ever
being discussed. Inevitably, it would end with high-
lighters strewn across my desk, a plethora of empty
Starbucks cups, and far more games of Tetris than I
would like to discuss publicly.

I imagine some of you sense a barrier now;
no matter how transparent or temporary, it’s effects
are tangible. Watching your friends run away from
the college with empty backpacks as you remain
behind questioning what you’ve gotten yourself in
to and how you’re going to survive. I assure you,

as someone on the other side of that imaginary line,
things here are not as fun as the caffeine fueled

day dreams would have you believe. I find myself
overwhelmed by free time. With a summer job on
the horizon, I realize the idea of a break is far more
appealing than the reality. I am envious of those
continuing their educational journey through the dog
days.

To the hearts exiting the building for the last
time, I urge you to run for the spaceship. Cherish
your semester full of memories. Enjoy the weight-
less empty binders. We wish you a summer just as
beautiful as you are.

To the souls trapped in our institution for the
arriving intersession, we at the Confluence are here
to welcome you with bright smiles, a promise of
comradery, and crisp high fives. a
Good luck to all on your adventures. 3

Remember to put on sunscreen and stay hydrated,
you meddling kids,
. Madison Buckner

News Editor

Details On the Cover Art

We would like to say thanks to Catherine Sharp for allowing us to publish
her art for the cover! If you are interested in her designs, make sure to check

out her website below:

https://catsharp.myportfolio.com/