In the spring semester of my freshman year at Marquette University, I took my first steps into storytelling by contributing to the Marquette Journal. Those early pieces—alumni love stories, the candid journeys of first‑generation students, and my own poem “I Am First”—were more than assignments; they were my initiation into a community, a record of the challenges and triumphs that define our shared experience.
Back then, I believed college life would be seamless—late‑night study sessions without stress, effortless friendships, and unwavering confidence. My poem revealed how naive I was. I hadn’t yet faced the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education, nor had I felt the sting of a disappointing grade or the turmoil of a fractured roommate relationship. Yet neither had I known the depth of pride, the thrill of achievement, or the bonds forged in adversity.
That tension—between the unexpected hardships and the unexpected successes—became my compass. It taught me that every setback, from a tough exam to a challenging group project, holds the seeds of growth. Likewise, every celebration, whether a major award or a simple “A” on a paper, is testament to resilience. Your current struggles may feel permanent, but they are merely moments—fleeting chapters in the wider story of your life.
Personal Narratives Fuel Collective Understanding
This spring, as our nation braces for the Democratic National Convention and wrestles with debates over student debt, healthcare, and immigration, I realize that personal stories carry political weight. When we share why we chose to shoulder crippling student loans in pursuit of our dreams, or how DACA delays affect our classmates, we give voice to policies that alter lives. Our individual experiences become a powerful mirror, reflecting larger national conversations.
In this issue, you’ll find “Paying the Price of Education,” where alumni describe navigating years of debt to launch their careers. You’ll meet activists like Maryknoll Sister Madre Rosa, whose advocacy bridges faith and justice, and explore how sports can unite communities in times of crisis. Each story reminds us: what we endure as individuals ripples outward, shaping the world we collectively inhabit.
Facing a Pandemic: A Call to Resilience
By the time you read these words, we will be entwined in the uncharted realities of a global pandemic. Our campuses—once alive with laughter and late‑night debates—are silent. Our routines are upended; our classrooms, replaced by screens. Yet, despite physical separation, we remain connected. Distance does not diminish our shared purpose. If anything, it magnifies our resolve to “Be The Difference,” to stand for one another in a time of trial.
In this stillness, we must guard against surrendering to despair. Granted—there will be moments of fatigue and fear. But tomorrow is unwritten. Next week, unshaped. Each sunrise offers a fresh canvas, a chance to choose compassion over isolation, hope over resignation. Remember the dozens of good people standing beside you—friends, family, mentors—ready to lend strength or simply listen. Their presence is a testament to our collective resilience.
Leadership in Transition: Looking to the Future
As I step into my senior year, I pass the mantle of Managing Editor of the Marquette Journal to Kelli Arseneau. Kelli, your creativity and passion will breathe new life into our pages. I can already envision the stories you’ll tell—stories that challenge us, uplift us, and hold us accountable to the ideals of truth and service.
Meanwhile, I will embrace my next role as Executive Director of the Marquette Wire, guiding our entire network of student journalists. It’s a daunting responsibility—leading coverage across print, digital, and broadcast during an era of unprecedented uncertainty. But if the past two years have taught me anything, it’s that great challenges spark remarkable growth. I look forward to navigating this evolving landscape alongside a team whose dedication rivals my own.
A Final Word of Encouragement
To our readers—whether you’re a first‑generation student finding your footing, an alum navigating complex career paths, or a community member witnessing history unfold—know this: our narratives matter. Through every piece we publish, we affirm that your voice counts. When you share your story, you illuminate truths that textbooks cannot capture.
In the months ahead, as we confront public health crises, political upheaval, and personal trials, let us hold fast to the power of storytelling. Let us listen with open hearts, write with integrity, and act with compassion. Because in telling our stories, we not only document the world as it is—we help shape the world as it could be.
