A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Five issues later, and here we are. It is a privilege to share my final words as Editor-in-Chief of Strike Magazine Chattanooga. As I write, I am filled with deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside some of the most brilliant and passionate individuals, each bringing their own unique perspective, creativity, and commitment to the team.

It feels surreal to be ending my time with Strike. I first joined the Chattanooga chapter as Assistant Art Director, ignited with a passion to create, and a desire to build friendships. I never would have guessed that it would become the central focus of my life for the next three years. Continuing my time as Assistant Creative Director, Co-Editor-in-Chief, and Editor-inChief, I realized it truly takes a dedicated team to build a magazine.

Strike Chattanooga is a special chapter. I have never seen a group of people so motivated to bring a vision to life, and support the process along the way. The late nights building an entire set design from scratch, the long days spent decorating for fundraising events, the early morning touch-ups to an outfit before a photoshoot, the strategically planned marketing pitches, the immeasurable efforts poured into the bounds of an InDesign file, and so much more. Every second of hard work has encouraged us to lean on each other, creating some of the strongest bonds. I am continuously impressed by the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of everyone on this team; It has been critical to the success of this magazine.

Aside from the wonderful relationships Strike has provided me, it has also been a platform to share my thoughts and beliefs. Issue 05, Tethered, probes the structural systems we have built and bound ourselves to. These systems loom as clouds above our heads, suffocating us with their weight everyday. How do we alleviate the pain of working a grueling 8-hour day, making just enough to last until next week? The dopamine hit of consumption, of course. The more we consume, the more distracted we are from the pressing weight of it all. We consume to numb, but why not create to feel? Tethered is a critical response to this weight, a creation to combat the consumption, a vessel to feel rather than suppress.

To the team: To know you is to love you. Keep truckin’. You all have worked tirelessly to create content that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning, and I am so proud of everything that we have accomplished together. I am continuously impressed by your commitment to our shared vision. I cannot thank you enough for the constant support, laughs, and memories. You all have inspired me every step of the way, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with each and every one of you.

To our readers: thank you for your support and engagement with our work. We created this magazine for you, and it has been an honor to share it with such an amazing audience.

As I sign off as Editor-in-Chief of Strike Chattanooga, I do so with love and gratitude. I am grateful for this chapter in my life, and I know that this team will continue to create amazing content for years to come. Without further ado, I present to you Issue 05, Tethered.

Aisy Nix (she/her/hers) Editor-in-Chief