In-print version:

Photo by Katelyn Gao

Letter from the Editors

WELCOME to our first edition of Through Our Eyes, Winter 2023.

Being our inaugural issue, it feels appropriate to give you, our dear reader, a short introduction to our whole premise in case you’re unfamiliar. (It feels quite like I’m writing a blurb for the back of a health-food cereal box, which is a pretty unique experience.) 

Our magazine is founded upon the core belief that political activism and the sharing of personal experiences is often most effective through creative writing. Throughout history, legendary writers like Harper Lee, George Orwell, and Maya Angelou have fought for equality and justice through their pens, and we continue to be inspired by active authors such as Louise Erdrich and Amanda Gorman. These political poets and prosaists have shaped the world as we know it, defining story as an effective catalyst for change.

Among today’s youth, however, such creative advocacy grows more and more rare. Encouraged by standardized writing curriculums’ methodical approach to writing, students’ messages are too-frequently lost in complicated logical syllogisms and pretentious language rather than be lifted in engaging, tangible forms of expression. Our goal is to tap into today’s youth’s voices through poetry and prose. By publishing high school writing that calls to action or shares personal experiences, we aim to ensure that creative expression remains prominent in our generation’s popular view and continues to spread meaningful messages for decades to come.

This season’s issue is on Identity, which we wanted to choose as our first topic because it was discussing our identity as Asian American writers that brought us to creating this magazine. By the end, we hope that you’ll understand the value of each of our authors' unique identities and point of view—and that you’ll see Through Our Eyes.

We had a lot of fun formatting this first issue, and we hope you enjoy. Please share this magazine with friends, family, and loved ones to continue to support our mission.

Chase Kim and Tiana Zhang