Editor’s Note

Dear Readers,

Last semester, when my team and I sat down to choose the theme for the Spring 2020 issue, we thought The Reemerging Twenties would be perfect. We expected the turn of the decade to inspire creators with its possibilities for fresh hope, new starts, and unwritten chapters. We were thinking more flapper dresses and faux-fur stoles instead of face masks and plastic gloves, but I guess 2020 had a bit of a different idea.

We are currently living through the moments that will be written about in history books. While all the political strife and governmental highs and lows will definitely be recorded, studied, and dissected just like the AIDS pandemic, the flu pandemic, or any of the six Cholera pandemics, I can’t help but wonder how the feeling of this moment will be translated to future generations. Will they know how bored we were? Will they know all that we missed out on? Will they know that we weren’t okay?

At Central Review, we pride ourselves on being an outlet for students during all times—good, bad, and quarantined—so the decision to extend our deadline was a no-brainer and I am so happy we did. I always knew how powerful the arts were but reading all the submissions solidified that fact in a new way. Art expresses things that can’t be materialized in a history book. Art can and will translate unspeakable feelings through time and space. If you don’t believe me, just read this issue.

This is my last year at CMU and my last semester with Central Review. Of all the ways I planned to celebrate my ending to such a beautiful time in my life, this was not even close to one of them. With tears in my eyes, I know I am leaving Central Review in the most capable and talented hands, even if this isn’t how I wanted to leave.

Though our expectations of 2020 didn’t go as planned, it’s important to remember that this is not wasted time. Use these months as an opportunity to explore your passions, practice self-care, and write, paint, sing, or dance to your heart’s content. Art will never be dictated by a space; it can happen anywhere. All that’s left to say is stay inspired, stay safe, and stay inside.

Sincerely,

Meet the Staff 2 • CENTRAL REVIEW • SPRING 2020

Caroline Carpenter EDITOR Caroline is an English major who is theoretically graduating in May. Since quarantine, she’s been napping with her dog and struggling to grow an avocado plant. She hopes this issue of Central Review will inspire people to continue creating despite limitations.

Alyssa Elms EDITOR Alyssa is a sophomore studying to be an English and History teacher. Alyssa loves reading, writing, theatre, riding horses, and hanging out with her new puppy, Pumpkin.

Kelsey Light CENTRAL SHORTS EDITOR Kelsey Light is a junior majoring in English as well as getting a certificate in creative writing. When she isn’t napping or watching Netflix, she is hanging out with her cat named Edgar Allen Poe. Other than her love for reading and listening to music, she enjoys puns which is why she has a lightbulb tattoo after her last name.

Brandan Stickland EDITOR Brandan Strickland is a Junior English and Broadcasting student who now serves as member of the Central Review team. He was published in the previous issue with his short story “The Sin Eater,” one of his proudest achievements. He also plays DnD in his spare time, along with other games such as Hearthstone and The Witcher 3. He hopes to one day produce and write his own animated television series.

Ivory Fields • Editor-in-Chief Ivory is a 5th year senior (virtually) graduating in May. Unless zombification is inevitable, Ivory plans to get a Masters in Book Publishing at Portland State University and one day open her own nonprofit publishing house for young authors. When she isn’t freelancing, Simming, or helping run the wonderful Central Review, you can find Ivory in her apartment still desperately trying to teach her dog to roll over.

Jahdiel Wingard WEBMASTER Jahdiel is a first-year student double majoring in English and Public Relations, with a minor in Broadcast Cinematic Arts. Jahdiel has a strong passion for all things creative. Outside of Central Review, Jahdiel goes on his own creative pursuits as an individual and as a part of a creative group named Kintsugi Cult.

Kelly Frazier EDITOR Kelly is a junior majoring in Elementary Education with a focus in language arts. Along with being an editor for Central Review, she is a mentor in the Lunch Buddies program and loves Disney more than your average six year old. While watching Disney movies, Kelly also loves to eat pasta, read and write.

DeJah Love CENTRAL SHORTS EDITOR De’Jah Love, a third year student, spends her days curled up on her couch attempting to enjoy a good story, whether it be within a book or in a movie. She enjoys all things romantic, superhero, and supernatural related but has a secret love for movies based on true stories involving war. If she could be stranded on a deserted island the three things she’d bring are; a notebook, a pen, and a raft to get off the island once she’s finished with her novel.

Madison Topolinkski SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Madison is a first-year student majoring in Integrative Public Relations and minoring in Multimedia design, as well as American Sign Language. She is a copy editor and on the social media committee here at the Central Review, and a consultant at PR Central. When Maddy’s not drinking coffee, she can be found pondering her love for Disney, her Catholic faith, and creativity.

Paige Dombrowski PODCAST PRODUCER Paige is a sophomore studying English Literatures, Language, and Writing with a concentration in Creative Writing. She lives in Metamora, Michigan with her mom, dad, younger sister, Mo, and sociopathic dog ,Ruby. Outside of class and working for Central Review, Paige enjoys drawing, painting, reading, kayaking, and hiking with Ruby. She hopes that you enjoy all of the amazing work Central Review has to offer!

Jenna Lesnich EDITOR Jenna is a senior pursuing a degree in English Literature, Language, and Writing with a minor in History. She is from Saginaw, MI and graduated from Swan Valley High School. In her free time, she enjoys reading children’s literature, watching Netflix, listening to music, and hanging out with her friends. Some of her favorite musicians are The Weeknd, The 1975, Mac Miller, and Lana Del Rey. Her favorite part of the day is coming home to see her one-year-old kitten, Fitz.

Tori Myers CENTRAL SHORTS EDITOR Tori Myers is a freshman pursuing an Integrative Public Relations major with a minor in journalism. She is on the social media committee and on the Central Shorts committee. In the future, she hopes to work for nonprofits.

Edwin Williamson CENTRAL SHORTS EDITOR Edwin Williamson is a sophomore majoring in Anthropology and English Lit. with a minor in Art History. He regularly sleeps, draws, writes, and daydreams through life. During the quarantine he’s become nocturnal and solely communicates with his two cats, Simon and Franklin. He fell in love with every piece submitted this Spring but can’t stop raving over “Fine” and “Eat the Rich”!