Myrtle’s Death // Ella Grace Hudson ‘21

E sse Literary-Art Magazine Ursuline Academy of Dallas Volume LV 2020-2021

Photo by Bill Thompson 2 | ESSE 2021

To Ms. Pat Mendina,

How lucky we are to have had someone in our lives who makes saying goodbye so hard. After 42 years of teaching, 35 of which were at Ursuline Academy, it is with heavy hearts that we watch you enter your well-deserved retirement.

You have stepped into many roles in your life as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, auntie, grandmother, and great-grandmother. You have also become a beloved hallmark of the Ursuline Academy English department. In your time at Ursuline, you were the light that showed underclassmen the ins and outs of high school writing, turning scared freshmen into the capable, powerful writers that they never dreamed they could be. By encouraging freedom of thought and expression, you have helped countless young women find their voice. Teaching, as you discovered at a young age, was undoubtedly your calling.

On behalf of all the Ursuline students whose lives you touched as well as those of the entire Ursuline Community, we thank you for your years of service and dedication to academic excellence. We wish you and your family all the happiness in the world as you enter this next phase of your life. Delia-Rose Constantin ‘21 Editor-in-Chief

As teachers, we possess the privilege of educating the future generations who will guide the path forward. However, we are also privileged to walk on this path alongside those who came before us. For thirty-five years, Ursuline teachers have had the absolute honor to stand in the presence of Pat Mendina. Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication have illuminated the lives of both students and co-workers alike, enabling us all to better light our own way on the path and face whatever challenges that may come. The Ursuline English department has cherished her friendship, and as she begins the next part of her journey into retirement, we can take comfort in the fact that her spirit will forever inhabit these halls. Pat is not just a legend; she is our legend.

She is a light forever bright.

Dedication

Kyle Lee English Teacher and Esse Co-Advisor ESSE 2021 | 3

Editor’s Note

As readers are aware, the past year has been a tumultuous one. Many found themselves immersed in an uncontrollable darkness that is just now beginning to wane. Our world is complex, filled with different shades of darkness. But without this darkness, light would not shine as brightly.

This year’s staff chose “Light” as the theme. We aimed to show how the juxtaposition of darkness and light are profound through both an artistic and literary lens. Contributors this year were encouraged to create pieces that encapsulated topics that bring both light and darkness to their lives. This pairing offers a wide spectrum of interpretations and creative freedom.

Though as Ursuline students we are banded together by our sisterhood, this spectrum of light and darkness offers a beautiful individuality to every piece that was chosen this year. As you read this magazine, allow the lightness or darkness that each piece offers to wash over you. Bask in the intentional artistic and linguistic choices that were made this year. Delia-Rose Constantin ‘21 Editor-in-Chief