Letter From The Editor

Dear Reader, 

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This semester, a lot changed with our publication. For the first time, we included a short story section called “Vignettes.” We also added eight more pages to our usual count and created two reversible pull-out posters within these pages created for readers to enjoy.  

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However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the breadth of exciting stories ready for you to read and the amount of heart, passion and time put into them. 

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The first story, “Unmasked,” is a profile by Abby Bammerlin that dives into the mind of Sam Flake, a furry and fursuit maker. Throughout the story, Flake educates us on the furry community and explains how she got started in her craft. 

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Then there is a personal narrative by Sam Norton called “Small Actions, Big Transformations,” in which Norton takes us to Seattle to learn how slowing down and appreciating the little things during his volunteer trip made all the difference. 

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A reported piece about service dogs in training on Miami University’s campus is up next from returning writer Madalyn Willis. “Pups with a Purpose” lets readers learn more about these dogs and the experiences of the student handlers training them. 

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After that is our short story section called “Vignettes,” which gives readers a glimpse into the lives of five Miami students. From doing the dishes to bodybuilding to the puritans to academic burnout and working as a cashier, these stories teach us about the often overlooked parts of life.

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Next is a personal narrative from the magazine’s Managing Editor, GraciAnn Hicks, about a traumatic event at her summer internship. In “A Life Almost Taken, Mine Forever Changed,” Hicks walks us through her experience as a journalist working just buildings away from the attempted murder of famous author Salman Rushdie.

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Megan Miske earns the cover story spot with “Time to BeReal.” This reported piece reflects on various student opinions about the hot new social media app, BeReal, and aims to discover if it is as authentic as it may seem. 

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In the following story, Devin Ankeney writes about the complicated and personally conflicting experience of buying their first gun. Read all about it in “Dancing with the Second Amendment.”

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Third to last is “Just Him and a Motor,” a profile from Henri Robbins. This profile teaches us about professor J. E. Elliott’s lifelong love for riding motorcycles. 

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“Entering the Red Zone” by Assistant Editor Claire Lordan comes next. In her reported opinion story, Lordan explains that first-year college students are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault or violence and pleads for schools to take action. 

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Finally, there is  “My Traveling Words of Wisdom.” In this story, Charlotte Hudson shares excerpts from her travel journal and explains how rereading each entry has allowed her to better understand who she was, who she will be and who she is now. 

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While I have a long list of people to thank, I want to start by acknowledging all of the writers who volunteered their time and talents to The Miami Student Magazine this semester. Each of you has so much passion for your stories and your commitment to them will not go unnoticed. Thank you for making this issue possible.

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Another massive shoutout goes to the editorial team: Managing Editor GraciAnn Hicks and Assistant Editors Meta Hoge, Hannah Horsington, Claire Lordan, and Jessica Opfer. This publication would not be the same without the knowledge, passion and curiosity that all of you brought to the table week after week. I am so profoundly grateful that you are a part of this team.

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Finally, I’d like to thank our art director, Macey Chamberlin, and her incredible team of designers. Seeing the final art come together for the first time never gets old. Another thank you goes to the excellent photographers who worked with us on this issue. Together, all of you bring this magazine to life.

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Overall, I cannot express how proud I am to be the Editor-in-Chief of this publication. Significant changes and new additions were made easy and possible because of every hard-working writer, editor, designer and photographer on this staff. You all are simply the best. 

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With that, it is my great honor to present Issue XI of The Miami Student Magazine to you. 


Now, get to reading!

Skyler Perry 

Editor-in-Chief 

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Do you have thoughts on this issue of the magazine? Give us feedback at 

EIC.TheMiamiStudentMagazine@gmail.com

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