Wagner is the creative, outspoken and daring outlet for the poetic, thought-provoking and artistic students on campus. If you have noticed the small rectangular booklet that resides next to The Mirror on Wednesday afternoons, I hope you have taken the time to pick it up.
If you have, you are familiar with the intricate artwork and the poems that a select number of students have submitted. If you haven’t picked up an issue yet, this is your last chance to.
Last Thursday, the creators of Wagner said goodbye to their good friend. Wagner was celebrated with homemade food and desserts, friends and family. In honor of Wagner’s mission to print and share Fairfield creative works, an open-mic event took place in the Library Multimedia Room. It seems like open-mic events have been a popular outlet for students to share their thoughts, to speak up about concerns and simply just express themselves.
Students who have been published in Wagner this academic semester came together to share their thoughts one more time. This intimate and somewhat private event was a pleasure to be a part of. That’s the beauty of poetry; artists speak to tell their audience the truth. Each student who stood in front of the room shared with their peers a memory, a triumph or a personal battle.
Junior Alan Pelaez says, “We’re never offered a space to be that vulnerable. The space we shared together is one of the most revolutionary things this university will see.”
Wagner was revolutionary indeed. Creators Leigh Tauss ‘14, Tebben Lopez ‘14 and Loan Le ‘14 were essential in creating such a space and opportunity for students to publish their work. During the open-mic, students were able to inspire each other, face their fears of public speaking and most of all, had friends present to snap and clap in unison.
Unity is what is often times missing on our campus. Students forget to acknowledge one another and support each other. Wagner was created to unify the creative minds of Fairfield. Now that the seeds have been planted, I hope the rest of you will nurture and keep the spirit of openness and creativity alive. Do not be afraid to open your heart or your mind and speak up. Even though Wagner may be coming to an end, its purpose is not in vain. Thank you, Wagner, for giving poets and artists a safe place to be themselves. Farewell, my friend, until we meet again.
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