Editor-in-Chief’s Note:

I would like to start off by thanking my incredible staff, who I am so blessed to have by my side during this chaotic semester. Even though a literary magazine isn’t often considered “essential” work, many of my staff members were dedicated to our purpose enough to sacrifice their time and money to produce this issue on a volunteer basis. In January, when we planned this issue, we talked about the future of the 2020s and the pessimism our generation often faces. We were optimistic. This year has been a difficult one, to say the least, for a lot of people and for a lot of reasons. And though we never would’ve expected to be where we are now, I’m so glad to have this team and their continued optimism. 
I'm reminded of a quote from Dead Poet’s Society: “Medicine, law, business, engineering: these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love... these are what we stay alive for.” This team and this magazine has often been what’s kept me going this semester. I’m so thankful for Berry’s Creative Writing department, Sigma Tau Delta, and Ramifications for providing me with a group of fantastic friends who believe like I do: that survival is insufficient — we must live. And we need art to help us.

-Shannon Rainey

Ramifications, Spring 2020