Dear Readers,

For the past few months, I’ve been in a state of limbo. Though it doesn’t quite compare to Dante’s descriptions of souls looming around verdant meadows for all of eternity, I imagine the number of sighs and days melding into one another is not so different. After spending all summer stating my life’s purpose under different character count restrictions, I must now simply wait for Big Med School to determine my fate. While much of this waiting has consisted of neurotically checking my email and online forums for updates, it has also provided me with something I’d long been coveting: time. To read books I enjoy, to walk around in the crisp autumn air, to say yes to spontaneous plans, to call my parents, to care for my friends. To mull over my future, yes, but also to appreciate the blessing of having any time at all. 

This week in post-, our writers are also dedicating time for reflection. In Feature, Ivy shares her experiences with dating as a trans woman and how they relate to the tenets of marriage instilled in her by her family. In Narrative, Helen digs deep into how her relationship with self-image, food, and her culture have influenced one another and evolved over the years. Meanwhile, Pooja’s piece shares with us a series of quotes—and the stories behind them—that have motivated her through difficult times. In Arts & Culture, Zoe writes an ode to Faye Webster and discusses how her creative autonomy and passion for music shine through in each project. In the other piece, Ellie analyzes a print of Edo and delves into the paradoxical portrayal of urban alienation. As for Lifestyle, writers Jedidiah and Ishan respectively encourage readers to step outside their comfort zone and take initiative to make Brown feel like home. In post-pourri, Michelle gets us into the fall spirit as she defends the season through its classic tropes. And to round out the issue, check out our crossword as it takes a fun twist on alphabet soup.

Despite being suspended in limbo, taking time to relish the experiences that bring me joy has made me that much more resilient in the face of uncertainty. Who would’ve thought that I would be learning the most about myself when I’m least certain of where I’ll be a year from now? All of this to say, dearest Readers, cherish any and all time you have. Whether it be your commute to class, the burrito bowl line at Andrews, or the queue in the mail room, good things come to those who wait—or so they say. And if you’re still unconvinced about the hidden benefits of waiting, pick up a copy of this week’s issue of post- to make the wait worth your while.

Taking it one day at a time, 
Katheryne Gonzalez
Narrative Managing Editor