Dear Readers,
“Rebirth” couldn’t be a more appropriate theme for the 36th volume of Manastash. A year ago, I received bittersweet news. I was offered the position of managing editor for this journal, a role I’d wanted since I decided to apply to CWU’s Professional and Creative Writing MA program. At the same time, I learned that Manastash was struggling with funding, and the 36th volume would be the final issue. I couldn’t believe that something so valuable to this university’s artistic community would close, just like that, after such a long and vibrant history. I thought of all the student contributors, the student editors who put their over-caffeinated blood, sweat, anxiety, and hope into each issue, and future students who would miss out on this professionalizing opportunity to be a part of something iconic and create something lasting with a team passionate about creative expression.
An opportunity that will thankfully remain at Central Washington University.
We came together to make our case before the Services and Activities committee—sharing Manastash’s story and necessity—enriched by the contributions of Manastash co-founder Professor Emeritus Joseph Powell, previous faculty advisor Dr. Ali Ünal, and the advocacy of English department chair Dr. Chris Schedler. We were ecstatic when we learned S&A granted our full request, pledged through 2028. And so
Manastash will live on.
This Volume is a rebirth,
with an updated design,
a new vision,
and a new soul
that, as always, was created just for you, our much
appreciated audience.
I want to sincerely thank all of our contributors; without them there would be no journal. I also want to thank everyone who submitted work. We received 255 submissions and wish we had the capacity to publish more work, because so much was deeply deserving. Thanks to everyone who worked on this
journal from beginning to end: our editors from winter and spring quarter. To the Department of Art + Design’s graphic design BFA team of seniors who taught us so much and made us feel like clients being taken care of by true professionals. And most of all, to our faculty advisor Dr. Candace Walsh because
she simply deserves it. This is a student literary journal, but Dr. Walsh was the glue and the motor who made this issue a reality.
Thank you.
JORDAN CAGLE
Managing Editor