enaissance WELCOME TO THE

The word renaissance is French for rebirth, a concept that evokes different thoughts and feelings for every individual. For some, it is representative of a well-known period of art history and human civilization. While for others, it serves as a transcendental idea, standing for a period of revival. For our magazine, in particular, we wished to combine the two – referencing classical history when comparing it to our modern world today through a reflective gaze.

Throughout this publication, we wanted to cover all the facets of renaissance, whether that includes an archetypal art-related story or a story with a more abstract connection such as the growth of diversity in fraternity and sorority life. All stories in this issue have the underlying theme of rebirth and renewal. When we started putting together this issue, we knew from the beginning that it should revolve around our rebrand. This issue marks a transitory period and serves as both a celebration and a physical representation of a new era. Also, for our society as a whole thus far, 2023 has served as a resurgence into the world post-COVID.

It is astonishing to think about how less than a year ago, we were a completely different publication and within a completely different world. Although the rebrand process is officially complete, the process of evolution is ever-going and infinite. Each one of us grows and develops each day as humans. We wanted the magazine to manifest our growth as both a team and as individuals. As we continue the evolution of the magazine, we hope to embolden you. We want the content within these pages to inspire you to do some self-reflection and become your best self – whether that’s after a bit of tender love and care or as you are now.

Though this is our first issue, it is not our first year as a magazine. Ablaze magazine is a publication that despite its young age, has a rich history. History is important. One is often told not to look back rather than to pay attention to what’s to come. While I agree that one should not live entirely in the past, it is important to not completely forget about it either. However, as with everything in life, all things should be in moderation. Only when we take a moment to look back, to reflect on how far we have come, as individuals, as a magazine and as a society are we able to understand why our present is the way it is. Our pasts, whether good or bad, shape who we are today – physically, mentally and emotionally.

When I reflect upon the magazine creation process and what our staff has achieved in a few months, it makes me hopeful that if we unite together, we can incite more positive change in our community. Using our voices and our content, we strive for Ablaze magazine to evoke thought and kindle conversation. Remember all it takes is a spark. From crucial conversations of human rights and equality to environmentalism, our society and world-at-large have more to do. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that change is on the horizon.

Furthermore, I would like to extend my gratitude to the inspiring and incredibly hardworking staff at Ablaze for spending their semester making sure our ideas came to life. It is motivating to peruse the pages of this issue and see a whole magazine that, I hope, marks the beginning of a long history. We hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we did making it.

Hollywood Laser Peel®

The Hollywood Laser Peel is a fast and comfortable treatment experience uniquely enabled by the Lutronic Spectra™ laser platform. The 3-step treatment includes patented facial carbon lotion application, gentle heating of the carbon lotion and skin, and finally the snappy nanosecond treatment which helps to exfoliate and revitalize your skin. Hollywood Laser Peels can be performed in only 20 minutes with zero downtime.