Dear Reader,

“Why is it that the words that we write for ourselves are always so much better than the words we write for others?” This quote from the movie Finding Forrester conveys the fact that writing is a meditative process that can only be successful and leave the writer satisfied when they look into themselves, not to others. Our best work comes when we challenge ourselves, searching for the meaning within ourselves. We find in this reflection and critical thinking those powerful truths that define moral character, inspire purpose, and solidify our place in the world. 

To write, we must be honest with ourselves and willing to explore those most vulnerable moments. We must look at experiences and parts of ourselves, which others did not necessarily want or prompt, but we needed to move on and grow. We must choose the words that feel right and true to us. It is when we experience this personal growth that our words flow with wisdom and power and leave us with a sense of solace and a literary work that is unique and meaningful in the community of thought.

Most will remember this year as the lockdown year, but we are also trying to remember the current events and personal moments beyond the pandemic. In the absurdity of the past year, we have embraced the beauty of trying new things, while remembering those loved and lost. During quarantine, many of us have made time for thoughtful silence, reflecting on the world that spins rapidly beyond our bedroom walls and the journeys we must take to find our place in it. In this year’s Spring Edition of The Green Ponderer, we wanted to convey that emotional journey to make sense of the world and find ourselves in 2020. We included works that we believe capture the search for solace in this difficult moment in time as well as inspiring us with the powerful truths of relentless positivity and love. To those who contributed, thank you for sharing with us a glimpse into your personal world. To you, our reader, we hope this edition serves as both a comfort that reminds of the time before and a bringer of hope for the future.

Best Regards, 

Olivia Wee '21 and Yiyi Chen '22
Editors in Chief
The Green Ponderer