DEAR READER,

Happy spring!

Spring brings many things — a couple being new beginnings and transformation. It happens to be bringing both of those for me, and as exciting as they can be, they can also get really intimidating and scary.

I recently (read: finally) applied for graduation this past semester, was told I was on the right track and will, indeed, be graduating in May just days short of my 22nd birthday.

As much as I’m ready for my life to transform, to never have school again and enter the “real world,” I’m nervous.

I’ve been doing the same dance my entire life. I go to school, I make new friends, I discover new passions and join new extracurriculars all fostered by environments rooted in education. But soon, my world will be more. To the class of 2023: OUR world will be more.

And it’s scaring the shit out of me… because I’ve only ever walked the world with what feels like a protective bubble; never really feeling the need to take my own place within it since I have been privileged enough to have the cushion of primary and secondary education. I’ll soon have to navigate uncharted territory.

That’s what this issue is about: navigating the unknown.

A lot of us on staff this semester will be graduating soon and have been feeling overwhelmed and joyful and nervous regarding the uncertainty of our futures. And funnily enough, the one who actually pitched this theme (the lovely Ms. Olivia Peay) is one of the only members of the DIG team not graduating this semester — so evidently, the feeling is not exclusive to those of us being granted diplomas come May.

It’s tough, and if you are one of those fighting similar demons, I hope this issue brings you comfort.

There’s a lot of introspection in this one, and, hopefully, a lot of inspiration if you’re feeling lost, nervous or excited about entering a part of your life where you feel you might be shooting in the dark. I hope you find assistance with your troubles, and at the very least, I hope it reminds you that you are not alone in the fear that comes with navigating the unknown.

Much Love,

Vittina Ibanez