Vol. 69

This is my second and final year serving as Editor-in-Chief for the Monmouth Review, Volume 69, and this issue is immensely special to me. It represents not only a thoughtful curation of some of Monmouth University’s finest literature and art, but also the work of an exceptional editorial team that I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with.

I would like to recognize and thank each of them for all their dedication and care: Dan Martin, President; Morgan Kelly, Vice President; Alexandra Elek Harris, Managing Editor; Veronique Manfredini, Poetry Editor and Treasurer; Kaitlin McGuire, Prose Editor; Jacqueline Collo, Administrative Assistant and Assistant Editor; Liv Badway and Florensa Amaral Saneti, Assistant Editors. Together, we worked to maintain the Review’s commitment to showcasing student creativity and ingenuity. Whether they are graduating or returning, each editor has demonstrated dedication to this mission, and I pass the baton confident that the magazine will remain in thoughtful and capable hands.

I am equally grateful to each contributor who entrusted us with their work and collaborated with us throughout the editorial process. To create art is to give something meaningful to the world: a piece of oneself. In each of their works, I felt that I came to know each creator in a unique way, and that is truly the joy of having held this position. I hope that our readers can feel this same connection.

A resounding ‘thank you’ is in store for our advisors, John Vercher and Mike Richison, whose support and guidance remains invaluable. And finally, thank you to our readers for taking the time to engage with the creativity of others. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did in bringing it to life.

Zafira Demiri, Editor-in-Chief

If you wish to find the most dedicated students here at Monmouth University, you would end up at the Monmouth Review editorial board. In my third year working with these people, they have once again worked harder than the rest when it comes to creating this magazine— all without receiving a cent. I believe I have also extended such dedication too, which has furthered my appreciation for publishing student work and for my craft as a graphic designer. It is a privilege to be able to design this magazine to my liking, especially for my second year as lead designer; anywhere I get to be creative is what makes my life worth living. To whoever this messages finds, keep creating, no matter what it is, and no matter the battles you are facing. This world is nothing without art.

Dan Martin, President and Lead Designer