The only constant in life is change, transformation, and metamorphosis. This past year showed us how quick everything we’ve known can be swept right from under us and leave us in a space of uncertainty. I know that I, as well as many of yall, know this feeling personally. 2020 was an extremely rough year for the collective. From being in lockdown for months, an extremely high death toll, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others by Killer Cops, political chaos, proud boys…AND I swear they put some nyquil into Daylight Savings this year. It’s been a lot. But, we’re here reveling in our metamorphosis. Transformation has always been something so beautiful to me, but while beautiful at the same time it was usually followed by an unsettled feeling. During all the self reflection time I’ve had during quarantine I realized that unsettled feeling stems from not fully living in the present and carrying anxiety from the past. Allowing myself to live in the present and detach myself from what I think “should” be the outcome gives a whole new freeing aspect to transformation. We chose Metamorphosis as the theme for this issue because it effortlessly describes how both the good and the bad lead us to where we are today. We’re here for the human experience and we’re riding the wave.
As I sit here on my laptop, a senior in college (crazy), writing my Editor’s Note for the publication I joined when I was only a sophomore, listening to Good Days by Sza on repeat (she put her foot in this), I just feel an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I’m thankful for every moment that led me to this point, the bad that pointed me to the good, and for the attachments that had to be let go in order for me to be my best self. I’m thankful that the previous EIC’s have trusted Dassy and I to continue the legacy of Renegade on this campus. I am proud to have a team that was able to create during such a chaotic time and complete the vision while in a panoramic because we know that was not easy! (the impromptu shoots in my living room were my fav). Shoutout to us! Shoutout to everyone that helped! Shoutout to you if you’re reading this! Love
