Letter from the Editor W
e are in the golden hour of 2020, at last. This year came as a surprise to everyone— an unassuming beginning followed by a blazing eight months of what can only be known as history in the making. Approaching the production of what would have been our second print issue, news of a global pandemic spread. Students moved out of campus dorms, classes switched to an online format, and life as we knew it had turned upside down. Our world became unrecognizable. Losses were felt, mass protests for racial justice shook the nations, and we reached a point where face coverings were simply the norm. A-Line as an organization stayed afloat, adjusting to digital communication only and striving to provide a source of escapism through content. However, the fall 2020 semester would pose innumerable challenges as we attempted to return to what was. It came as an exciting realization that new and returning members were beyond enthused to create, to be a part of something again. This only further reminded us of the absolute necessity of voluntary collaboration, not merely in our organization but in the nature of being human. It is the buzzing of ideas back and forth, the group spirit, the accountability of working closely with others on a passion project that connects us to not only a profound part of ourselves, but that of each other. Ironically, it was through a computer screen that we found this to be a core truth of life. Similarly, it was through a quarantine that we discovered the essentiality of the collective effort. Inspired by the warm brilliance we catch a glimpse of just before the sun sets for the day, our fall 2020 issue is centered around the profound reflection that comes with the close of an era. As this incomprehensibly significant year nears its finish, it is paramount that we take notice of lessons learned: humanity is at its best when united, there is never a shortage of growth to be had, and basking in one’s golden hour is the antidote for never forgetting to appreciate the present in all its wondrous, albeit momentarily unconventional glory. We hope that “Golden Hour” sparks gratitude for the tangible joys that kept us sane through quarantine (p. 42, p. 45), styling ideas for those days that sweatshirts simply won’t do (p. 36), and a renewed sense of confidence in a world that is slowly picking back up the pieces for brighter days to come. With gratitude,
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Emma Garza Editor in Chief & Co-Founder
