Change is inevitable.
From the Guest Editor
Darrell King Change is such a personal topic. No matter who you are, change is an ever-present reality of life that causes you to continually push forward and be the best person that you can be. Unfortunately, change is not always for the better, and this causes people to fear it. The inspiration for this issue of Kalliope came to me at a time when I could not be going through a more difficult change in my life, and as such I found it important to focus on exploring what change meant to me and seeing what it meant to others who have gone through changes of their own. Change is an inevitable aspect of life, and I want this issue to celebrate the many aspects of change that we all go through. The loss of a loved one, personal and physical growth, cultural shifts, overcoming obstacles; these things are temporary, as is our lifetime. Rather than fighting what life hands us, find a way to accept it and move on. I have enjoyed every minute of putting this issue together and I hope that you will find something in here that allows you to accept the many changes that you will experience in your life, or to overcome the many changes you may be struggling to overcome right now. There’s so much to see and to experience in the world if we’re willing to make the change. To read the full issue, click the button below. The Change issue of Kalliope features the writing and editorial contributions of Darrell King, Elyse Hertfelder, Jennifer Mata and Shavawn M. Berry.
Other contributors to this issue are Matt Behnken, Kim Blake, Andrae Smith, Kate Vrijmoet, Melissa Rebuth and Chanapa Tantibanchachai. Additional editing was provided by students in Technical Editing this spring at Arizona State University and is gratefully acknowledged. |
The one constant in
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Thank you.From the Managing Editor
Shavawn M. Berry I tend to trust my gut and go wherever I am directed. I know better than to question or second guess it. It will never steer me wrong. Kalliope has been a happy accident in my life, and a sweet one. Five years ago, some students approached me about starting an online magazine that would provide them with the opportunity to work with me and learn desktop publishing, writing, editing, and document design. I thought at the time that I would mentor them, and once they graduated, that would be that. I expected a three-month, one-semester commitment. Instead, it turned into five years of mentoring and teaching, watching interns come and go, while creating 35 issues of the magazine. During that time, each student who joined me for a semester learned new skills and came into their own as writers and editors. The magazine became my vehicle for featuring new voices and pouring light into the world. Along the way, I was changed by the luminous, curious, bright kids who interned with me. I sent them off with such a sense of pride in their accomplishments and a feeling that doing what I was doing made a difference in their lives. However, this Spring I sensed that my time as a mentor for Kalliope was coming to a close. I enjoyed every minute of my time as managing editor and chief cook and bottle washer, but something nagged me to make a change. It pushed at me, showing me it was time for the next phase of my life. Right now, I don’t know what that will be. I just know I am being called, and I must heed the call. __________________________________________ Writing this is bittersweet. I am excited to see what’s next for me as a writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and creativity coach. I have many projects percolating and awaiting my full attention. There are things I promised myself I’d complete and other things I want to experiment with to see what I find out. I want to learn and grow and venture out into unexplored territory. Right now, I’m closing one door and awaiting instructions. I am certain that whatever’s next will be the exact experience that I most need to build the life I want to live. I am happy that I accepted the challenge set out for me by those ambitious young women in 2009. I had no idea what was in store. It has been glorious, challenging, hilarious, [and sometimes] difficult work, but ultimately it has been extremely satisfying. We started something from nothing. We put ourselves out into the world. We took an idea — a magazine that focused on ‘good news’ — and added a little light to life on earth. I am so grateful I got to ride shotgun. Whew! It’s been a joyous and beautiful ride. (For the unabridged article see pages 20 - 21 of the issue.) |