This issue of Kalliope focuses on Strength: inner strength, vulnerability, and the strength to handle our personal relationships. It dives into the river of strength that runs underneath the skin of any person who has experienced loss or illness or tragedy, and managed to keep going. Think of it as grit, or grace under pressure. This first issue this fall contains writing and editing by Shavawn M. Berry, Caitlen Welch, Donald Tripp, and Mara Ray Michael, the interns currently working for Kalliope. In addition, it also has work from ASU technical editing students, Maria Banuelos, Darrell King, and Joel Armijo. Julianne White wrote a piece for us on her mother's strength and what she learned from it. Sarah Anma, of Art of Relationship (artofrelationship.net) graciously contributed another wonderful piece on relationships, her specialty.
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Topics include handling bullying, navigating difficult relationships, and recognizing strength in the most unlikely places. The issue is bookended by articles highlighting a couple of amazing mothers. We also feature Frida Kahlo, Brene Brown, the 'It Gets Better Project,' Queen Elizabeth I and II, and others on these pages. As the weather in Phoenix starts to cool, we are pleased to release our first issue this fall. We hope you find strength and inspiration on these pages.
Shavawn M. Berry, Managing Editor |
FROM THE GUEST EDITOR
Before officially landing on this topic of strength, I initially wanted to focus on confidence. I knew I wanted this to be an encouraging issue that would spread the message that being yourself and loving who you are was an aspirational goal that is possible over time. I also wanted to get the message across that regardless of what other people think, you are capable of much more than you know. You just have to believe in yourself.
I realized with the help of the managing editor, that confidence was actually too limiting; as most people think of physical appearance and arrogance upon first hearing the word. I wanted to go beyond the idea that physical beauty and fitness is all that makes up self worth, and instead focus on self esteem and inner strength, which impact self worth yet are invisible to those around us.
Ms. Berry suggested the word “strength” and it fully embodied everything I envisioned for this issue. Being able to push on even when you don’t want to or believe you can, brazenly being your true self, regardless of what others think, and even learning to love yourself are just some of the topics covered in the Strength issue.
I chose to focus on strength because it is ubiquitous and will never go away. Regardless of your social background, your gender, or your goals, emotional strength and self worth need a firm foundation in your life in order for you to be successful. I hope these articles will touch you the way they touched us writing and editing them. While it is difficult to juggle college, part or full time jobs, as well as having personal life, it is possible. For times when it feels impossible, I hope you find comfort on these pages, and in realizing you aren’t alone. ~ Caitlen Welch
Before officially landing on this topic of strength, I initially wanted to focus on confidence. I knew I wanted this to be an encouraging issue that would spread the message that being yourself and loving who you are was an aspirational goal that is possible over time. I also wanted to get the message across that regardless of what other people think, you are capable of much more than you know. You just have to believe in yourself.
I realized with the help of the managing editor, that confidence was actually too limiting; as most people think of physical appearance and arrogance upon first hearing the word. I wanted to go beyond the idea that physical beauty and fitness is all that makes up self worth, and instead focus on self esteem and inner strength, which impact self worth yet are invisible to those around us.
Ms. Berry suggested the word “strength” and it fully embodied everything I envisioned for this issue. Being able to push on even when you don’t want to or believe you can, brazenly being your true self, regardless of what others think, and even learning to love yourself are just some of the topics covered in the Strength issue.
I chose to focus on strength because it is ubiquitous and will never go away. Regardless of your social background, your gender, or your goals, emotional strength and self worth need a firm foundation in your life in order for you to be successful. I hope these articles will touch you the way they touched us writing and editing them. While it is difficult to juggle college, part or full time jobs, as well as having personal life, it is possible. For times when it feels impossible, I hope you find comfort on these pages, and in realizing you aren’t alone. ~ Caitlen Welch