Since my sixth grade class, I knew writing was something I loved to do; when the words awoke on the page, it just felt right.
I’ve been lucky during my college years to have a home for my writing. The Temple News was integral to my growth as a writer. The staff’s creativity and determination will continue to thrive because of the vital need to explore through words and photography.
Whether they realize it, young writers have some decent outlets at Temple. For instant inspiration, grab a copy of Hyphen, Temple University’s undergraduate literary magazine.
Hyphen is a poetry/fiction/art magazine compiled by students every spring. Professor Jena Osman organized the magazine three years ago “to showcase all the great student writing … at Temple.” What started as a special topics English class has evolved into an extra-curricular labor of love.
Contributors will read their work at Hyphen’s launch party, held April 25 at 4 p.m. on the 8th floor of Anderson Hall. Those interested in contributing to next year’s Hyphen are invited to the final staff meeting on May 2 at 4 p.m. in Anderson Hall 1123.
Two other student magazines are also in the works. Look for Laugh Out Loud — a humor magazine from Junior journalism major Saudia Mitchell and cohorts — to twitch your funny bone. The first issue should be out by finals’ week. Equally promising is Effusion, a new magazine created by the English Majors Association. For info on both zines e-mail Smitch02@temple.edu (Laugh Out Loud) and Buggirl@temple.edu (Effusion).
Sometimes it seems like Temple is static. This could be because, according to Osman, “there’s no central place for students interested in the arts to gather, hang out and collaborate.” The need for organization easily displaces the amount of student talent.
If you have a passion — anything that brings you pure, unequivocal joy — the worst thing you could do about it is nothing. If there isn’t already a group of people to share your loved activity, create one. Because chances are, something awaits your brilliance.
Neal Ramirez can be reached at nramirez@temple.edu
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